Space-based threats offer an “acute and increasing risk” to Britain’s security, the head of the Royal Air Force has warned.

Potential adversaries recognise our reliance on space and “dependency creates vulnerabilities”, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said. Countering such threats has “hitherto not been one of our highest priorities” he admitted.

Speaking at the Defence Space conference, the Chief of the Air Staff said that space has previously been viewed as a “free good” with no real risk. As satellite technology has revolutionised every aspect of human endeavour, he warned Britain’s enemies could exploit such reliance.

Echoing the Defence Chief’s comments, Will Jessett, Director for Strategic Planning at the Ministry of Defence, said Britain’s enemies were developing “counter-space capabilities to destroy, disrupt and degrade” satellite systems.