The United States has publicly confirmed for the first time that it has deployed a weapon in Earth’s orbit, marking a significant development in the militarisation of space.
Speaking at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the orbital weapon is intended to protect American forces and assets against potential hostile actions in space. However, he did not disclose the weapon’s capabilities or when it was deployed.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns in Washington over advances in Russian and Chinese counter-space programmes, which US officials say are developing technologies capable of disrupting or attacking satellites during future conflicts.
China Warns Against Space Arms Race
China reacted sharply to the disclosure, urging the United States to refrain from expanding military activities in space.
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said the US should stop strengthening its military capabilities and preparations for conflict in outer space, warning against the risk of an arms race beyond Earth.
US Highlights ‘Space Control’ Capabilities
A spokesperson for the US Space Force said space control includes both offensive and defensive operations aimed at countering adversary capabilities through methods ranging from disruption and degradation to, if necessary, destruction.
According to the spokesperson, such capabilities may employ both kinetic and non-kinetic technologies depending on operational requirements.
Rising Competition in Space
The confirmation underscores the increasing strategic importance of space in modern military planning. As major powers invest in satellite protection, surveillance and counter-space capabilities, concerns are growing that outer space could become a new arena for geopolitical competition and conflict.
