The United Kingdom is preparing to establish its first Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron focused on space defense, as reported by recent announcements. The No III Space Effects Squadron will be formally introduced at the UK’s Space Power Conference by Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth. This unit will be tasked with safeguarding critical satellite systems that support missile detection, military communications, and navigation for naval operations, as outlined by the Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is expected to highlight the increasing strategic importance of space in national security during the conference. He is anticipated to compare the historical control of the seas and skies with the modern-day significance of space. Streeting is likely to emphasize that as the UK becomes more dependent on space-based technology, it also becomes a more attractive target for potential adversaries, who are now employing more advanced and complex methods to threaten these systems. The creation of the new squadron follows the release of a comprehensive government strategy aimed at bolstering defenses against space-based threats. As part of this strategy, SaxaVord Spaceport, located on the remote island of Unst in the Shetland Islands, will receive an additional £30 million in funding. The UK Space Strategy outlines a total of £7.8 billion in funding for the space sector up to 2030, with a significant portion—£2.8 billion—allocated to programs like Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit and Skynet, which are designed to improve military communications and satellite capabilities. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has previously expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the UK’s ability to launch satellites, monitor threats, and protect vital infrastructure. Several private companies are planning to use SaxaVord Spaceport as a base for commercial rocket launches. These include Rocket Factory Augsburg from Germany, which aims to conduct the first vertical orbital test flight from UK soil, and HyImpulse, which is preparing for a sub-orbital launch campaign. This growing commercial activity underscores the UK’s expanding role in the global space industry.