The United States has publicly acknowledged for the first time that it has deployed weapons in Earth’s orbit, marking a significant development in its military activities in space.
US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the United States now has “on-orbit space control weapons” capable of defending American forces against hostile actions. US Space Force chief Douglas Schiess also confirmed that personnel operate weapons in orbit.
US officials did not disclose what specific weapons are deployed, how many are in orbit or when they were launched. They said the systems can be used for both defensive and offensive purposes and may involve kinetic and non-kinetic methods of affecting an adversary’s space capabilities.
The announcement comes as the United States, China and Russia expand their military capabilities in space. Satellites have become increasingly important for communications, navigation, intelligence and military operations on Earth.
US officials have pointed to the development of counter-space capabilities by China and Russia as a growing security concern. Washington says its orbital weapons are intended to protect US and allied forces from attacks that could disrupt space-based systems.
China criticised the announcement, saying it opposes an arms race in outer space and warning against turning space into a battlefield. Russia also said space should remain free of weapons and raised concerns about the potential consequences of military escalation in orbit.
Military powers have developed various technologies capable of interfering with satellites, including signal jamming, lasers and systems designed to maneuver close to other spacecraft. However, the United States has not said which of these capabilities are included in its newly acknowledged orbital arsenal.
The deployment also raises questions about international rules governing military activity in space. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits placing nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in orbit, but it does not impose a blanket ban on all conventional weapons in space.
US officials said the disclosure was intended to strengthen deterrence and signal that Washington is prepared to respond to hostile actions against its space assets.
The announcement highlights the growing military importance of Earth’s orbit and the increasing focus among major powers on protecting and potentially disrupting the satellites that support modern military and civilian systems.
Leave a Reply