UK Space Force Chief Suspended Amid Serious Sexual Offense and Theft Investigation
Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson, appointed to lead UK Space Command in June, has been suspended following allegations of a serious sexual offense and theft.
The head of the United Kingdom’s military operations in space has been suspended as an investigation into an alleged serious sexual offense and a claim of theft proceeds. Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson, who was appointed to the role of UK Space Command chief in June, was suspended two months later. His position carried an annual salary exceeding £110,000.
The Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct outlines behavioral requirements for military personnel, prohibiting unwelcome sexual attention, whether physical or verbal, and any displays of affection that could cause offense.
Detectives are currently exploring the allegations. The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) will ultimately decide whether to charge the senior Royal Air Force (RAF) officer. These claims have surfaced as UK Space Command prepares to host the UK Space Power Conference 2026, with scheduled speeches from Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth. The development also follows the government's recent launch of the UK Space Strategy, a decade-long plan for the nation's military development in space.
Thompson previously served as deputy commander of UK Space Command. He joined the RAF in 1997 as a weapons technician before transitioning to a role as a Communications Electronics Engineering Officer. He has also held significant appointments within the tri-service Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) and the Ministry of Defence. Defense websites describe Thompson as a 'champion of diversity' and note his leadership of the RAF Diversity Allies Initiative.
UK Space Command was established five years ago to oversee military operations, training, and capacity in space. Its headquarters are located at RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Air Commodore Darren Whiteley has been appointed interim commander of UK Space Command. The headquarters comprises personnel from the RAF, British Army, and Royal Navy, working alongside civil servants and contractors.
A spokesperson for the Defence Serious Crime Command stated, "We can confirm that a member of the Royal Air Force was arrested in connection to reports of theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult. The theft investigation has been referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) for a charging decision. The investigation into the alleged serious sexual offence remains ongoing and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further."