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British military satellites are being targeted by Russian electronic warfare operations on a regular basis, according to the head of UK Space Command. The jamming activity, described as persistent and increasing, is part of a broader pattern of space-based interference linked to heightened geopolitical tensions.
Major General Paul Tedman confirmed in an interview with the BBC that UK-operated satellites, which support military communications and surveillance, have been experiencing routine attempts at signal disruption. The interference is reported to occur on a near-weekly basis, with activity escalating since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
The UK currently operates six military satellites equipped with counter-jamming capabilities. These platforms are essential to maintaining secure lines of communication and intelligence gathering for the armed forces. Despite built-in protections, sustained electronic attacks represent a growing challenge to their reliability and operational integrity.
Russian space assets reportedly include payloads designed to detect, shadow, and collect data from foreign satellites — potentially allowing for real-time disruption or longer-term tracking. These tactics pose serious risks to the UK’s space-based infrastructure.
The concern is not limited to Britain. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recently disclosed that Russia has been monitoring two Intelsat satellites in use by German forces. He noted that such actions could involve jamming, spoofing, or even physical interference. Germany has committed €35 billion to space defense initiatives through 2030.
Despite being out of sight, space assets are essential in military operations. Therefore, the ability to protect critical satellite infrastructure is not just optional; it’s essential. The growing frequency of jamming attempts highlights the urgency for nations to invest in space resilience, improve situational awareness in orbit, and develop defensive technologies that can respond to emerging threats. With geopolitical rivalries extending beyond Earth’s atmosphere, space security is now a frontline issue in modern defense planning.
