Overview
- The RAF announced on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 that it has stood up No. III Space Effects Squadron to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activity in orbit and to defend UK satellites.
- The new squadron will operate alongside No. I Space Operations Squadron, which tracks objects, and No. II Space Warning Squadron, which provides missile warning and tracking.
- Officials said the unit will use advanced technologies including electronic warfare to support both defensive and offensive space actions and will start with 'tens' of personnel with plans to grow.
- The formation is funded through the UK Space Strategy and linked to a Control of Space requirement that includes £880 million for space ISR and space control for 2026/27–2029/30 and broader spending up to 2030.
- Ministers reiterated a ban on destructive anti‑satellite missile testing and said the UK will pursue multilateral norms at the UN even as it expands sensors, a Deep Space radar programme and an integrated Space Defence function.