The UK has announced plans to develop sensors to protect military and civilian satellites from laser threats that could track, dazzle, blind, or disrupt their operations.
Currently under development, the technology will assess whether lasers originating from space or the ground pose a risk and provide the military with information to protect UK and allied satellites.
The project is a joint effort between the UK Space Command, the British Armed Forces’ integrated space operations command, and the UK Space Agency, which oversees the civil space program.
It has received initial funding of 500,000 pounds ($672,000) through the Unlocking Space for Government program, which aims to leverage space technology to enhance public services and national security.
The British government emphasized that nearly 20 percent of the UK’s GDP depends on satellite services, which support financial transactions, navigation, weather forecasting, and emergency response, making their protection critical for both civilian and military operations.
The UK “is competing against a growing arsenal of adversary counterspace systems and requires new and innovative edge technology to protect and defend our satellites,” stated Major General Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command.
London’s Strategic Defence Review
The initiative builds on the Strategic Defence Review announced in June, which outlines the UK’s defense strategy and priorities for the coming decade.
The review includes plans to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027 and up to 3 percent if fiscal conditions allow.
Key priorities include strengthening industry partnerships, implementing procurement reforms, and enhancing conventional and nuclear capabilities.
It also covers the integration of digital tools, including drones, AI, and data systems.
