UK launches first RAF space squadron to defend satellites

Summarised from 6 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 23 Sept, 21:44 · Archive

The UK is establishing a new RAF space squadron to protect satellites and defend against hostile threats in space.

The No III Space Effects Squadron will protect satellites used for missile early warning, military communications and ship navigation. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Britain must keep pace in the new space race as it faces unprecedented threats from adversaries in space.

How it is being reported

• UK military jamming other nation's satellites to defend itself, BBC toldThe head of the RAF says the UK faces "unprecedented threats" from adversaries in space, as a new unit is created to defend Britain's satellites.BBC News · 23 Sept, 18:01
• Britain's first space squadron to protect sovereign satellitesThe UK is set to establish its first military unit dedicated to defending satellites, as the Government strengthens the country’s ability to respond to growing threats. The No III Space Effects Squadron will be formed by the Royal Air Force to protect satellites that provide early warnings of missile attacks, support military communications and help guide ships, the Ministry of Defence said. The new squadron was announced by Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth at the UK’s Space Power Conference today, with Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warning that Britain must “keep pace in the new space…GB News · 23 Sept, 16:23
• UK space squadron to guard against 'unprecedented threats'The UK is setting up its first space squadron to defend crucial satellites and detect hostile missile attacks.Sky News · 23 Sept, 12:31
• RAF to launch first space squadron to protect UK from hostile threatsThe military unit will protect satellites used to warn of incoming missile attacks, provide communications and help guide shipsThe Independent · 23 Sept, 12:02
• UK launches new space squadron as RAF tackle increasing 'hostile' threats from spaceThe new RAF squadron will protect satellites used to warn of missile attacks, provide communications and help guide ships, the Ministry of Defence has announcedThe Mirror · 23 Sept, 09:20
• UK to launch military squadron to protect satellites in spaceNew RAF unit will warn of incoming missile attacks, and support offensive and defensive operations A new military unit dedicated to defending satellites, protecting services people need on earth and potentially supporting offensive operations is being launched by the UK. The No III Space Effects Squadron will be announced on Wednesday, with the defence secretary, Wes Streeting, warning that Britain needs to “keep pace in the new space race”. Continue reading...The Guardian · 23 Sept, 08:57
• UK to launch first RAF space squadron to counter hostile threatsThe military unit will protect satellites used to warn of incoming missile attacks, provide communications and help guide shipsThe Independent · 23 Sept, 08:14

In this story: UK · Royal Air Force · No III Space Effects Squadron · Wes Streeting · Ministry of Defence

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