In a recent BBC interview, Maj Gen Paul Tedman, the head of UK Space Command, disclosed that Russian satellites have been actively tracking British military satellites, with jamming attempts occurring weekly.
He indicated that these activities represent a growing threat to the UK’s space-based assets, which have been increasingly targeted since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Germany's Defence Minister recently noted similar interference directed at their military satellites, highlighting the wider implications of Russian actions in space.
Gen Tedman elaborated on how Russian satellites approach closely to monitor the UK's operations, stating that they are equipped with payloads designed for intelligence gathering from UK satellites.
The UK has invested in counter-jamming technologies, yet Russian efforts to disrupt communications have persisted persistently.
Currently, the UK operates around six dedicated military satellites, a stark contrast to the more than one hundred satellites operated by competitors like the US, China, and Russia. Moreover, the combined Russian and Chinese satellite presence has surged by 70% over the past decade.
Furthermore, Gen Tedman expressed concerns about the implications of space congestion and warned that both Russia and China have been testing anti-satellite weapons.
While the US perceives China as a significant competitor in space technology, Gen Tedman views Russia as the more immediate threat, citing the latter's willingness to deploy its counter-space measures.
As discussions continue about enhancing the UK’s space and missile defense capabilities, managing the strategic space environment remains crucial amid evolving threats.
