UK furthering orbital warfare capabilities
The UK's AN/FPS-132 phased array space surveillance and ballistic missile defence radar at RAF Fylingdales. It operates from 420-450 MHz with a 22.1 m antenna diameter and 600 kW peak transmit power. (UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
UK forces are developing their capabilities for space control and orbital warfare, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth announced on 23 September 2026 at the UK Space Power Conference in London.
ACM Smyth described the capabilities as actions and effects conducted within space to achieve military objectives, electronic warfare (EW), and measures to counter anti-satellite weapons. In order to deliver operations in support of the UK's control of space mission, on 23 September 2026 the Royal Air Force (RAF) announced the formation of the UK's first dedicated squadron to defend Britain's satellites: No. 3 Space Effects Squadron (SES).
“Number 3 SES will disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activity to defend UK space interests and gain operational advantage for the integrated force,” ACM Smyth said during his address at the conference.
The squadron will be staffed by specialist personnel and will support offensive and defensive space operations to safeguard critical space services. “Let's be very clear, no one wants a war in space,” ACM Smyth stressed. No. 3 SES will use advanced technology, including EW, and will expand over time as new capabilities enter service, according to a 23 September UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) press release.
On 30 June 2026 the UK MoD announced in its 2026 Defence Investment Plan (DIP) a GBP880 million investment between 2026/27 and 2029/30 in space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and space control activities.
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