Russia Continuously Targeting British Satellites, Space Command Chief Says
Russia is attempting to jam British defense space systems frequently, as stated by the head of the UK Space Command.
Maj Gen Paul Tedman revealed that Moscow's military were consistently attempting to disrupt British defense operations “weekly” and were carefully observing the country’s space assets.
“We’re seeing UK space assets facing interference by the Russians on a fairly regular basis,” he stated.
The UK operates about six dedicated military satellites for communication and observation, which Tedman said were equipped with anti-interference systems.
He further stated: “They possess equipment on board that can see our satellites and are attempting to gather information from them.”
Global Orbital Dangers
The threat of space-based interference extends beyond the United Kingdom. In September, the German defense minister, the German official, revealed that Moscow was monitoring two Intelsat satellites operated by the German military.
“They are capable of disrupting, blind, manipulate or kinetically disrupt satellites,” he stated at a space conference in Berlin.
Cooperative Countermeasures
In response to increasing global friction, the United Kingdom and United States last month conducted their first coordinated satellite manoeuvre in space, in what military leaders hailed as a significant advancement in allied cooperation.
During early September, a US satellite was relocated in space to inspect a UK satellite and confirm it was functioning properly. The test was conducted under Operation Olympic Defender, a joint military framework designed to improving satellite defence and durability.
“Expertly executed with American Space Command, I am extremely satisfied or impressed of the rapid progress we are making with our partners,” the general commented.
Escalating Tensions
The growing orbital conflict occurs while friction with Moscow persistently increase.
The British foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, stated recently that the UK was prepared to respond after the American leader, Donald Trump, publicly urged Nato allies to shoot down intruding Russian aircraft.
During an address to the United Nations in September, Cooper condemned Russia's “provocative and reckless” violations of NATO territory in recent weeks, including incidents over Estonia, Poland and Romania.
