Moscow Persistently Targeting British Space Assets, Military Space Chief Says
Russia is attempting to jam UK military satellites frequently, as stated by the leader of the British Space Command.
Maj Gen Paul Tedman disclosed that Moscow's military were actively trying to interfere with British defense operations âweeklyâ and were closely monitoring the nation's orbital systems.
âWeâre seeing UK space assets facing interference by the Russians on a fairly regular basis,â he said.
The UK operates approximately six specialized defense space systems for communications and surveillance, which Tedman said were equipped with anti-interference systems.
He added: âTheyâve got equipment on board that can see UK space assets and are trying to collect data from them.â
International Space Threats
The danger of orbital disruption extends beyond the UK. In September, Germanyâs defence minister, the German official, announced that Moscow was monitoring Intelsat space systems used by the German military.
âThey can jam, disable, manipulate or physically damage space assets,â he stated at a space conference in Berlin.
Cooperative Countermeasures
In response to growing international tensions, the UK and the US last month conducted their first coordinated satellite manoeuvre in orbit, in what defense officials hailed as a major step forward in international partnership.
During early September, a US satellite was repositioned in orbit to inspect a British space system and verify it was functioning properly. The test was conducted under Operation Olympic Defender, a combined defense program designed to enhancing space protection and resilience.
âSkillfully performed with American Space Command, I am extremely satisfied or impressed of the rapid progress we are achieving with our allies,â the general commented.
Increasing Friction
The growing orbital conflict comes as friction with Moscow continue to rise.
The UK foreign secretary, the foreign secretary, stated recently that the UK was prepared to respond after the American leader, President Trump, openly encouraged NATO partners to shoot down encroaching Russian planes.
During an address to the United Nations in last month, the foreign secretary condemned Russia's âprovocative and recklessâ incursions of NATO territory in recent weeks, including incidents over Estonia, Poland and Romania.