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The BBC has learned that the British military has been actively jamming or blocking satellites from other countries as a defensive measure against potential hostile threats. Over the past year, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has deployed a ground-based system designed to disrupt adversaries, according to a defence source who confirmed it has already been used as a deterrent. This technology is believed to be capable of preventing hostile nations from using their satellites to track sensitive UK military operations, including the movements of nuclear-armed submarines and deployments involving special forces.
This development comes amid growing concerns about the increasing dangers posed by space-based threats. The RAF’s leadership has acknowledged that the UK is facing “unprecedented threats” from adversaries operating in space. To counter this, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has established a new unit, the Space Effects Squadron, which will be tasked with “disrupting, degrading and denying hostile threats in space.” Defence Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the critical role satellites play in everyday life, noting that the loss of GPS services alone could cost the UK economy £1.4 billion daily.
During a speech at the UK Space Conference, Streeting highlighted the extent of society’s dependence on satellites, which support everything from weather forecasts to financial transactions, mobile connectivity, and delivery services. He warned that losing access to these satellites would threaten public freedoms and reduce trust in institutions. Streeting also pointed out that the threats to UK satellites are becoming more intense, matching the increasing scale, speed, and sophistication seen in terrestrial geopolitics. Similar ground-based systems exist in other countries, and last year the then-head of UK Space Command revealed that Russia was attempting to jam UK satellites on a weekly basis.
The UK’s electronic warfare capabilities have been described as “world leading” by defence officials. Recently, the United States confirmed it has deployed a space-based weapon for satellite defense, a move criticized by China and Russia as likely to spark an arms race in space. Meanwhile, Washington has accused both countries of developing various offensive space weapons, including electronic jammers, lasers, and satellite-fired projectiles designed to incapacitate other satellites. Reflecting ongoing tensions, the RAF tracked multiple “dangerous manoeuvres” by Russian satellites near Finnish commercial satellites in May, and reports from June noted disruptions to GPS signals caused by Russian satellite constellations over Europe and Canada.
The UK operates a limited number of military satellites for surveillance and communications but relies heavily on cooperation with the US Space Force, which has a much larger satellite fleet. RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth expressed concern about the increasing frequency of “irresponsible and provocative actions” from adversaries in space. He underscored the vital importance of satellites for the functioning of modern society, warning that without them, technologies relied upon daily would fail, causing widespread disruption. Smyth highlighted the consequences such failure would have, including the breakdown of sat-nav systems, increased road congestion, and delayed emergency response times. Satellites are also crucial for monitoring weather conditions and tracking climate change impacts, further emphasizing their importance for national security and prosperity
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