The RAF announced on 23 September 2026 the creation of No. III Space Effects Squadron, described by the Ministry of Defence as the UK's first unit dedicated to disrupting, degrading and denying hostile threats in space. The squadron will draw specialist personnel from across the Armed Forces and use technology including electronic warfare, supporting both offensive and defensive space operations. The ministry said it would expand over time as new capabilities enter service.

Announced by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, at the first UK Space Power Conference, the unit complements No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron, which watch for and warn of space threats. Smyth said space is "a domain of direct competition" and that the new squadron would safeguard benefits space gives the armed forces while being able to deny them to adversaries.

The ministry linked the move to the UK Space Strategy published earlier that month and the Strategic Defence Review. It cited an £880 million investment between 2026/27 and 2029/30 in space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and space control activities. The government said it remains committed to peaceful, sustainable space use and has ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile testing.