# UK expands military reach in space and undersea domains

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-royal-air-force-space-squadron-formation
> Updated: 2026-10-09T15:40:40.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 3.

The United Kingdom has established the No. III Space Effects Squadron within the Royal Air Force (RAF) to protect national satellite infrastructure and space-based interests. While existing RAF units focus on monitoring and warning, this new unit is designed to provide a dedicated response function to counter hostile activity in orbit.

To safeguard critical assets used for maritime navigation, communications, and missile warnings, the squadron will utilize electronic warfare and advanced technologies to “disrupt, degrade and deny hostile actions.” The UK government has formally ruled out the testing of destructive anti-satellite missiles that create long-lived orbital debris.

The initiative follows reports that the RAF has utilized ground-based jamming systems for approximately one year to protect sensitive operations, such as the movement of nuclear-armed submarines. The squadron will draw specialist personnel from across the armed forces and is expected to expand as additional capabilities enter service.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth has confirmed the squadron’s role in complementing existing space operations to protect systems essential for military communications and national infrastructure. This expansion of military reach coincides with a major NATO initiative led by Britain to enhance undersea domain awareness. This program aims to create an interoperable network connecting frigates, uncrewed underwater vehicles, surface relay nodes, and satellite links, transitioning from a reliance on large conventional assets toward a vast network of interconnected uncrewed systems.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: United Kingdom expands military reach in space and undersea domains

Britain is bolstering its defense capabilities by launching a new RAF space squadron to protect satellites and leading a major NATO initiative to create an interoperable undersea surveillance network.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-kingdom-expands-military-reach-in-space-and-undersea-domains

### 2026-09-25: United Kingdom forms new RAF space squadron for satellite defense

The UK's Royal Air Force has formed No. III Space Effects Squadron to defend satellite interests using electronic warfare and advanced technology to disrupt and deny hostile space activities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-kingdom-forms-new-raf-space-squadron-for-satellite-defense

### 2026-09-23: UK Royal Air Force forms new space squadron to defend satellites

The UK's Royal Air Force has formed the No. III Space Effects Squadron to defend satellites from hostile activity using electronic warfare and advanced technology.

34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-forms-new-raf-squadron-to-defend-satellites-and-counter-space-threats

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Cite as: UK expands military reach in space and undersea domains. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-royal-air-force-space-squadron-formation