UK forms new military squadron to counter threats in space

The UK said Wednesday that it launch a new Royal Air Force squadron to protect satellites and counter hostile activity in space.

Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said Britain must “keep pace in the new space race,” according to a statement by the government.

The new unit, No III Space Effects Squadron, will bring together specialist personnel from across the armed forces to defend satellites that provide services, including missile warnings, communications and navigation for ships.

Two existing RAF units, No I Space Operations Squadron and No II Space Warning Squadron, already monitor and warn of threats in space.