Ongoing Threat: Russia Targets UK Military Satellites Weekly

Thu Oct 16 2025 22:18:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Major General Paul Tedman of the UK Space Command reveals that Russian satellites have been regularly stalking and jamming British military satellites, highlighting significant concerns over space security.

In a recent interview, Major General Paul Tedman disclosed that Russia has been actively interfering with the UK's military satellites on a weekly basis. This includes shadowing operations and attempts to jam signals, which have intensified since the invasion of Ukraine. The UK maintains six dedicated military satellites, while Russia and China have expanded their satellite capabilities significantly. The UK government plans to enhance its space defenses amid rising threats from adversaries.

Russian satellites have been stalking British military satellites, according to the head of the UK Space Command. In an interview with the BBC, Major General Paul Tedman outlined the level of interference from Moscow against the UK's space-based assets, stating that Russia attempts to jam the UK's military satellites with ground-based systems on a weekly basis.

Last month, Germany's Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, reported similar activities against their military satellites by Russia.

The UK launched the Tyche military imaging satellite into orbit on a Space X rocket last year.

Gen Tedman explained that Russia's satellites are not just watching but also actively attempting to collect information from UK satellites while flying relatively close to them. He noted that, despite UK military satellites being equipped with counter-jamming technologies, interference from Russia remains a persistent issue.

The general is particularly concerned about the escalating threat in space, observing an increased number of military satellites from adversaries. He advocated for more investment in space security as the US, China, and Russia continue expanding their capabilities.

The situation is critical: the UK has about six dedicated military satellites, while the combined Russian and Chinese satellite fleets have grown significantly over the past decade. Furthermore, Gen Tedman indicated that both Russia and China have tested anti-satellite weapons, adding to the growing complexity of space security.

As part of its response, the UK government is set to announce tests for sensors to detect laser threats in space, foreseeing challenges from adversaries like Russia and China.

With around 45,000 objects orbiting the planet, including approximately 9,000 active satellites, General Tedman expressed his worries not only about threats but also the increasing congestion in space. The UK must adapt and prioritize its space operations to maintain security and operational capability.