The head of the UK’s military space operations has been suspended from his position while authorities investigate allegations involving theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult.

Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson, who became Commander of UK Space Command in June 2026, was suspended following his arrest in connection with the allegations, according to the Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC).

The investigation comes only months after Thompson assumed responsibility for UK Space Command, which coordinates Britain’s military activities in space and brings together personnel and capabilities from the Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy.

Jamie Thompson Suspended From Command

An RAF spokesperson confirmed that Thompson had been suspended while the investigation was being conducted.

“Air Vice-Marshal James Thompson was suspended without prejudice as part of an investigation.”

Air Commodore Darren Whiteley has subsequently been appointed interim Commander of UK Space Command.

The suspension does not itself establish wrongdoing. The allegations remain subject to investigation and the relevant legal processes.

Investigation Covers Theft and Serious Sexual Offence

The Defence Serious Crime Command confirmed that an RAF member had been arrested in connection with reports involving theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult.

A DSCC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a member of the RAF was arrested in connection to reports of theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult.

“The theft investigation has concluded and has been referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority for a charging decision. The investigation into the alleged serious sexual offence remains ongoing, and therefore it’d be inappropriate to comment further.”

The theft investigation has therefore moved to the Service Prosecuting Authority, which will determine whether a charge should be brought. The investigation into the alleged sexual offence remains ongoing.

Thompson Had Only Recently Taken Charge

Thompson was appointed Commander of UK Space Command in June, succeeding Major General Paul Tedman.

Before becoming commander, he served as the organisation’s Deputy Commander, a position he took up in December 2024. The Royal Air Force said at the time of his appointment that he brought extensive operational experience in areas including space, air defence, cyber operations, air-land integration and intelligence.

Thompson joined the RAF in 1997 as a Weapons Technician and was commissioned in 2003 as a Communications Electronics Engineering Officer. His appointment placed him at the head of a command responsible for Britain’s military space operations, including the protection of space capabilities and the monitoring of threats affecting UK interests.

Darren Whiteley Takes Over Temporarily

With Thompson suspended, Air Commodore Darren Whiteley has been named interim commander.

Whiteley’s appointment comes as the UK is expanding its military focus on space. On September 23, the RAF announced the creation of No. III Space Effects Squadron, its first dedicated unit intended to counter hostile threats against British space capabilities.

The new squadron is designed to work alongside existing UK space capabilities and is expected to use technologies including electronic warfare to respond to threats targeting satellites and other space assets.

Suspension Comes as UK Expands Space Defence

The development involving Thompson coincides with a significant expansion of Britain’s space-defence programme.

The Ministry of Defence announced that No. III Space Effects Squadron will help protect satellites used for communications, navigation and missile-warning functions. The government said the unit forms part of its wider effort to maintain the UK’s ability to operate in space while responding to hostile activity.

The UK government also published a new national Space Strategy earlier this month. It includes £7.8 billion in government investment through 2030 and identifies space as an increasingly important area for national security and defence.

Within that programme, £880 million is allocated between 2026/27 and 2029/30 for space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and space-control activities.

UK Space Command’s Role

UK Space Command is based at RAF High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire and is responsible for protecting and defending Britain’s national and military space interests.

According to the government, the command oversees day-to-day space operations, develops the defence space workforce and manages the development and delivery of defence space capabilities. It is staffed by personnel from all three UK armed services, alongside civil servants and commercial contractors.

The command has become increasingly important as governments and militaries worldwide develop technologies capable of disrupting satellite communications, navigation and other space-based services.

Sexual Offence Investigation Remains Ongoing

Authorities have not disclosed detailed information about the alleged sexual offence beyond confirming that it involved an adult.

The DSCC said it would be inappropriate to comment further while that investigation remains active. The theft investigation, meanwhile, has been completed and referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority for a charging decision.

The case therefore remains at an investigative stage, and the allegations should not be treated as established facts.

Thompson’s suspension also means that UK Space Command will temporarily operate under new leadership while investigators and prosecutors determine the next steps in the case.