United Kingdom Forms No. III Space Effects Squadron as RAF's First Unit to Counter Threats to British Satellites

Key facts

• The Royal Air Force (RAF) launched No. III Space Effects Squadron, the UK's first dedicated unit to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile threats to British satellites, announced on 23 September 2026.
• The squadron was announced by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth at the first-ever UK Space Power Conference, where Defence Secretary Wes Streeting delivered a keynote address.
• No. III Space Effects Squadron will use advanced technology including Electronic Warfare to act against threats, complementing No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron which watch and warn of space threats.
• The squadron delivers on the UK's Control of Space Requirement set out in the UK Space Strategy published in September 2026, building on the Strategic Defence Review.
• The UK has formally ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile testing and is investing £880 million between 2026/27 and 2029/30 in space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and space control activities.