The head of the UK’s military operations in space has been suspended amid an investigation into an alleged serious sexual offence and a claim of theft.

Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson was appointed to the key role in June – only to be suspended two months later. 

His position commanded a salary of more than £110,000 a year.

Behaviour requirements for those in the military are set out in the Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct.

The code prohibits unwelcome sexual attention, physical or verbal and any displays of affection that might cause offence.

The allegations are still being explored by detectives. Ultimately, any decision to charge the senior Royal Air Force (RAF) officer will be made by the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA).

The claims facing him emerged as UK Space Command prepares to host the UK Space Power Conference 2026, including speeches today from the Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth.

It also comes days after the Government launched the UK Space Strategy, a blueprint for this country’s development as a military power in space over the decade. 

Thompson was previously deputy commander of UK Space Command. He joined the RAF in 1997 as a weapons technician before becoming a Communications Electronics Engineering Officer.

He has also held senior appointments in the tri-service Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) and the Ministry of Defence.

According to defence websites Thompson is a ‘champion of diversity’ and leads the RAF Diversity Allies Initiative.

UK Space Command was created five years ago and is responsible for overseeing military operations, training and capacity in space. Its headquarters are situated at RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

Last night the RAF confirmed Air Commodore Darren Whiteley had been appointed interim commander of UK Space Command.

Its headquarters is staffed by RAF, British Army and Royal Navy personnel working alongside civil servants and contractors.

A Defence Serious Crime Command spokesman said: ‘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.’