Russia Persistently Targeting UK Space Assets, Space Command Head Says

Russia is attempting to jam British defense space systems on a regular basis, as stated by the leader of the British Space Command.

Maj Gen Paul Tedman revealed that Moscow's military were consistently attempting to interfere with UK-based military activities on a weekly basis and were closely monitoring the country’s space assets.

“We’re seeing UK space assets facing interference by the Russians on a fairly regular basis,” he stated.

The United Kingdom manages about six specialized defense space systems for communication and observation, which Tedman said were outfitted with anti-interference systems.

He added: “They’ve got equipment on board that can see our satellites and are trying to collect information from them.”

International Orbital Dangers

The danger of orbital disruption is not limited to the United Kingdom. In September, the German defense minister, the German official, announced that Russia had been tracking Intelsat space systems used by the German military.

“They are capable of disrupting, disable, manipulate or physically damage satellites,” he stated at a orbital defense meeting in Berlin.

Allied Response

Reacting to increasing global friction, the United Kingdom and United States recently executed their first coordinated satellite manoeuvre in space, in what military leaders hailed as a major step forward in international partnership.

Between 4 and 12 September, a American space asset was relocated in orbit to inspect a British space system and confirm it was functioning properly. The test was conducted under a joint defense initiative, a combined defense program aimed at improving satellite defence and durability.

“Skillfully performed with US Space Command, I am extremely satisfied or impressed of the rapid progress we are achieving with our partners,” the general commented.

Escalating Friction

The escalation in space occurs while tensions with Russia persistently increase.

The British foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, warned last week that Britain was “ready to act” after the American leader, President Trump, publicly urged Nato allies to shoot down intruding Russian aircraft.

During an address to the UN in September, Cooper condemned Moscow’s “inflammatory and irresponsible” violations of Nato airspace in the past month, including events over Estonia, Poland and Romania.