UK to launch military squadron to protect satellites in space

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Published: 2026-09-23T08:16:20.951Z • Permanent link

A new RAF unit will be formed to defend Britain's satellites against missile attacks, marking a significant escalation in the country's space security. The move comes at a time when the UK is increasing its military presence in space to counter threats from nations such as China and Russia. The new unit, codenamed "Shield," will be based at RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire and will be equipped with advanced radar systems and cyber warfare capabilities.

The decision to create a dedicated space defense unit has been welcomed by the UK's space industry, with companies such as Virgin Orbit and Skyrora hailing the move as a major boost to the sector. "This is a game-changer for the UK space industry," said Steve Cooper, CEO of Virgin Orbit. "It sends a clear message that the UK is committed to protecting its space assets and investing in the skills and expertise needed to do so." The new unit will be led by Air Commodore Andy Turner, who has previously served as the commander of the RAF's space and cyber defense unit.

The UK's decision to create a dedicated space defense unit is also seen as a response to growing concerns about the threat posed by anti-satellite missiles. In 2020, China tested a hypersonic missile that was capable of destroying satellites in low Earth orbit. The UK has since increased its military presence in space, with the deployment of new satellites and the establishment of a network of ground-based radar systems.

The creation of the new RAF unit has significant implications for the UK's space industry, which is worth an estimated £14 billion annually. The unit will be responsible for detecting and tracking incoming missile attacks, as well as providing support for offensive and defensive operations. Companies such as Inmarsat and Intelsat, which provide critical satellite communications services to the UK government and other organizations, will be heavily reliant on the new unit to protect their assets.

The impact of the new unit will also be felt in the research community, where scientists and engineers are working to develop new technologies to protect satellites from missile attacks. Researchers at institutions such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are developing new materials and systems that can withstand the intense heat generated by anti-satellite missiles. The UK's space industry will also be watching closely to see how the new unit is equipped and trained, as the effectiveness of its operations will have a major impact on the sector's growth and development.

The creation of the new RAF unit is part of a larger trend towards increased military spending on space-related activities. The US, China, and Russia are all investing heavily in space capabilities, with the US spending an estimated $60 billion annually on space programs. The UK's decision to create a dedicated space defense unit is also seen as a response to the growing threat posed by cyber attacks on space systems. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents of cyber attacks on space systems, including the hacking of a US satellite in 2020.