Britain has been using a ground-based laser system to disrupt adversary spy satellites, temporarily blinding their optical sensors and preventing them from transmitting intelligence, according to a UPI report citing senior British defense sources.

The system has reportedly been deployed over the past year to protect sensitive military activities, including operations involving Britain’s nuclear-armed submarine fleet and special forces. The sources said it had also disrupted surveillance of military bases, although they did not identify the countries whose satellites were targeted.

The reported capability comes as Britain expands its military space operations, with the Royal Air Force (RAF) establishing a dedicated squadron to counter hostile threats to satellites and other space-based infrastructure.

According to the UPI report, the British system directs laser energy at the electro-optical sensors aboard reconnaissance satellites, temporarily interfering with their ability to collect or transmit usable imagery.

Unlike destructive anti-satellite weapons, which can permanently damage spacecraft or generate debris, laser dazzling is intended to interfere with a satellite’s sensors without physically destroying it. The effectiveness of such a system depends on factors including the target’s orbit, sensor design, atmospheric conditions, and the laser’s power and accuracy.

British officials have not publicly disclosed the system’s technical specifications, operating locations, or the satellites it has targeted. The reported deployment follows warnings from British military officials about similar capabilities being used against UK satellites. 

In October 2025, then-UK Space Command chief Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman said Russia was targeting British satellites with ground-based systems on a weekly basis. 

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