UK Space Command chief suspended after arrest on theft and sexual assault allegations

The head of the UK's Space Command has been suspended from his post after being arrested on allegations of theft and a serious sexual offence, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Air Vice Marshal Jamie Thompson was promoted to Commander of UK Space Command in June this year, after serving as the organisation's deputy leader since December 2024.

AVM Thompson, a senior RAF officer who joined the service in 1997 as a Weapons Technician, was arrested in connection with "reports of theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult", according to Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC).

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The theft investigation has been referred to the Service Prosecution Authority for a charging decision, while an investigation into the alleged serious sexual offence is ongoing, a DCSS spokesperson said.

An RAF spokesperson said: "Air Vice-Marshal James Thompson was suspended without prejudice as part of an investigation."

Air Commodore Darren Whiteley has been appointed interim Commander of UK Space Command and appeared at the UK Space Power Conference earlier this morning, following the announcement of a new RAF space squadron dedicated to protecting the UK's satellites.

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."