Britain deploys laser to temporarily blind Russian spy satellites

The British Army has deployed a ground-based laser system capable of temporarily blinding optical sensors on Russian and other adversaries’ spy satellites. UPI reported the development, citing senior British defence officials.

Sources said the system had been used over the past year to protect sensitive military activity, including operations involving Britain’s nuclear-armed submarines and special forces. The sources also said it had disrupted surveillance of military bases.

Laser targets satellite sensors

The system directs laser energy at electro-optical sensors, temporarily preventing a satellite from collecting or transmitting usable imagery. Unlike destructive anti-satellite weapons, the method is designed to affect the sensor without physically destroying the spacecraft or creating debris.

British officials did not identify the countries whose satellites may have been targeted, or disclose the system’s locations, power or precision. Its effectiveness depends on factors including the target’s orbit, sensor design and atmospheric conditions.

Britain expands space capabilities

On September 23, the Royal Air Force announced the creation of No. III Space Effects Squadron, its first specialised unit focused on countering hostile activity against British interests in space. The unit is expected to use electronic warfare and other capabilities to disrupt, degrade and deny threats.

The squadron will help protect satellites used for missile warning, military communications, intelligence collection and navigation. Defence Secretary John Healey linked its creation to the growing scale, speed and complexity of threats to Britain’s space infrastructure.

In October 2025, then-Commander of UK Space Command Major General Paul Tedman said Russia was targeting British satellites with ground-based systems every week. That month, the Ministry of Defence announced approximately £500,000 in funding for sensors designed to detect lasers that could blind satellites or interfere with communications.

Britain’s wider space strategy also includes £880 million in planned investment from 2026 to 2030 in space intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and space control. However, the reported laser attacks have not been supported by independent technical evidence, and operational details remain undisclosed.