In brief
General Paul Tedman, head of the UK Space Command, disclosed that Russia has been actively pursuing UK military satellites, utilizing ground-based systems to jam them weekly. This modern warfare tactic has intensified since the invasion of Ukraine, drawing comparisons to similar actions against German military satellites. The UK is adapting with counter-jamming technologies but faces a significant disparity in satellite presence compared to Russia and China.
Russian satellites have been stalking British military satellites, according to the head of the UK Space Command.
In an interview with the BBC, Maj Gen Paul Tedman has for the first time set out the level of interference from Moscow against the UK's space-based assets.
He said Russia had also been trying to jam the UK's military satellites with ground-based systems every week.
Last month Germany's Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, said Russia had been shadowing satellites used by their military.
Gen Tedman described how Russia is observing UK operations closely, stating, They're interested in what we're doing and flying relatively close. He added that their capabilities include payloads capable of gathering information from UK satellites.
The UK has equipped its military satellites with counter-jamming technologies; however, Gen Tedman mentioned, We're seeing our satellites being jammed by the Russians on a reasonably persistent basis.
When asked how often, he revealed it was on a weekly basis, intensifying since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Britain operates about a half dozen dedicated military satellites compared to over a hundred owned by both China and the US.
Gen Tedman expressed deeper worries about space security and congestion, citing approximately 45,000 objects in orbit and warning of increasing threats.
The UK is shifting its focus towards enhanced space capabilities and defense mechanisms, pledging increased funding to safeguard its assets against both Russian and Chinese advancements, including high-tech laser systems.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the importance of satellite defense and advanced technological investments becomes ever more critical for the UK's security landscape.
