Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Xona Space Systems’ platform drastically reduces the effective range of jammers compared with MEO options. (Photo: Xona Space Systems)
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
“We’re seeing our satellites being jammed by the Russians on a reasonably persistent basis,” Maj Gen Paul Tedman, head of UK Space Command, told the BBC during an interview earlier this month. It happens “weekly”, he explained. A few weeks earlier, Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius warned that Russia and China now have the capability to “disrupt, blind, manipulate or kinetically destroy” satellites.
For governments and civilians living near Russia, this is disruptive. For navies, it’s mission critical. Ships at sea rely on precise satellite timing for navigation, communications, weapon guidance and autonomous operations. One glitch and the mission fails.
Closer
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
