U.K. develops orbital warfare capabilities and launches RAF space squadron

The U.K. is expanding its military space program, with Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth saying the country is developing orbital warfare capabilities to counter anti-satellite weapons. The Royal Air Force has also created its first dedicated Space Effects Squadron, intended to disrupt hostile activity. Axios further reports, citing the BBC, that Britain has spent the past year using ground-based technology to jam enemy satellites. Smyth warned that satellite services face unprecedented threats and called Russia’s space maneuvers uncommon and dangerous. The moves sit within a recently unveiled £298 billion defense spending plan that includes investment in new space capabilities and protecting British assets in orbit.