The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed "space weapons" in Earth orbit, describing this as a necessary measure to protect US forces from adversary attacks. However, details about the weapons and the timing of their deployment into space have not been disclosed.
Troy Minck, US Under Secretary of the Air Force, revealed at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Monday, 14 Sep 2020 GMT+7, that the weapons in orbit are essential for protecting US personnel from hostile actions by enemies. He stated the US is prepared to face "increasing threats" but did not provide deeper details on the weapons' capabilities or deployment timing.
A spokesperson for the US Space Force issued a statement confirming that the US has space control weapons deployed in orbit, which can be used both offensively and defensively.
The US Space Force spokesperson said, "Space control encompasses mission areas necessary for competing and controlling the space domain, using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods to impact adversary capabilities through disruption, degradation, or even destruction if necessary."
This move comes amid ongoing concerns expressed by senior military leaders about Russia and China's programs to develop capabilities to attack or interfere with US satellites, which are vital for military communications, reconnaissance, and navigation.
The US Space Force, established in 2019 as the newest branch of the US military in over 70 years, states that China is developing and operating space and counter-space capabilities as part of a modern military strategy, while Russia views space as a battlefield and believes superiority in space will be decisive in future conflicts.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty has long prohibited the use of weapons of mass destruction in orbit since the Cold War era. However, major powers including the US, Russia, China, and India have begun exploring and developing military capabilities beyond the treaty's scope, such as targeting competitors' satellites.
Previously, the US accused Russia of deploying satellites into space with potential capabilities to attack other satellites. Reports indicate that two Russian satellites may have interfered with communications of at least 12 European satellites since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, potentially allowing Russian intelligence to access or even control those satellites.
Space tensions have escalated in recent years. Last year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order emphasizing the US Space Force's role not only in defending assets but also as an offensive force. The current administration also states that space capabilities and missile interception are key components of the planned "Golden Dome" defense system to protect the US from aerial threats.