The head of Britain's Royal Air Force has warned that the country now faces an unprecedented threat in space, one that could have a devastating effect on the satellites relied upon for communication, internet access, bank transfers, and satellite navigation.

A defence source has revealed that Britain has already used a ground-based system to jam or block the satellite communications of a hostile state.

According to reports, a new arms race is now under way in space, raising concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure that modern societies depend on daily.