Overview
- The Royal Air Force announced the creation of No. III Space Effects Squadron on Wednesday, September 23, to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activity in orbit and protect satellites the UK relies on for communications, navigation and warning.
- No. III completes the RAF’s three‑squadron space force alongside No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron and will use tools such as electronic warfare and countermeasures to support both defensive and offensive space operations.
- The unit is backed by the UK Space Strategy’s £7.8 billion package to 2030, which includes more than £3 billion for defence and a restated £880 million for space‑based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and space control from 2026/27 to 2029/30.
- The government has formally ruled out destructive anti‑satellite missile testing and says it will press for responsible behaviour through the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to reduce long‑lasting debris risks.
- The Defence Investment Plan also commits to the trilateral Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability with the US and Australia, with UK construction due to start in April 2027, and the step up in forces and sensors could change how Britain deters threats and works with allies to secure vital satellite services.