Space has long been considered a place for scientific discoveries and satellite launches, but now it has also become an important part of countries’ military strength. Amidst this changing picture, Britain has created the No. 3 Space Effects Squadron in September 2026. This is Britain’s first such unit, which will work to intercept, reduce and stop enemy movements in space.
Britain’s move comes at a time when Western concerns have grown over the satellite and space capabilities of powers such as Russia and China. According to a report by Axios, Britain has been using such technology from the ground for the past year, which can jam other countries’ satellite signals. That is, the ability to affect satellite services without destroying them is being developed.
Finally, why is satellite jamming such a big threat?
Satellites are not just for TV channels or internet. For the military, they are used for communication, navigation, surveillance, missile warning and precise timing. According to Britain’s Ministry of Defence, its vital satellites help with functions such as ship navigation, mobile phone connectivity and missile attack warning.
According to Britain’s 2026 space strategy, failure of the GNSS, or satellite navigation system, could affect telecoms, the internet, stock markets, aircraft, ships, rail and road transport. Britain has estimated that economic losses could be between 1.4 billion pounds and 7.64 billion pounds a week if the GNSS service there is stopped.
That’s why fighting in space isn’t just about destroying satellites with missiles anymore. This includes electronic attacks, signal jamming, cyber attacks, laser and other energy weapons and anti-satellite weapons. In Britain’s Defense Space Strategy, these technologies are described as potential military options in space.
Britain did not build just one squadron
In September 2026, No. 3 Space Effects Squadron was created under UK Space Command. Apart from this, No. 1 Space Operations Squadron and No. 2 Space Warning Squadron are already operational. Britain is also planning to build new space units like numbers 4, 5 and 6. This will include developing capabilities such as space warfare strategy and training and advanced radars. Britain has asked to invest £880 million between 2026-27 and 2029-30 for intelligence-gathering, surveillance and military activities in space. However, Britain has also said it will refrain from testing anti-satellite missiles capable of destroying satellites.
Why is this news important for India?
India also considers space very important for its security. In 2019, under mission Shakti, DRDO successfully targeted an Indian satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with an anti-satellite missile. With this, India has become one of the few countries that have demonstrated such capability.
But space defense is not just about destroying enemy satellites. It is equally important to protect your satellite and keep track of objects in space. ISRO’s Netra program is running for this purpose. Its full name is Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis. Under this, radars, optical telescopes and other systems for tracking objects in space are being developed.
As per ISRO’s 2025 assessment, the Government of India had 22 satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 31 satellites operating in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). India’s NavIC is also an important part of space security and strategic needs. This is India’s own navigation satellite system. Restricted service is also available for strategic use. Navik’s service is available within India and within an area of approximately 1,500 km from its border.
If there is a war in space, not only the army but also the common life will be affected.
If satellite services are disrupted in a major conflict, the impact can be far greater than a facility such as GPS. Banking time-signals, mobile networks, weather monitoring, air and sea navigation, military communications and missile warning may be affected. ISRO also warns that if the satellite system is severely affected, many vital services like communication, finance, electricity, transport and defense may be affected.
This means that in the future, war fronts may be hundreds or even thousands of kilometers above the earth. Britain’s new squadron is a sign of this change. The challenge for India is not only to develop anti-satellite weapons, but also to make its satellite network secure and resilient against jamming, cyber attacks, spoofing and other space threats.
However, international rules also apply to military activities in outer space. The Outer Space Treaty prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in space and mandates that space be used in accordance with international law.
