US confirms for first time it has deployed space weapons
The US Air Force has officially confirmed the deployment of an offensive space weapon to protect against evolving threats from adversaries like Russia and China. While specific technical details remain classified, experts suggest the technology could involve electronic warfare or kinetic capabilities.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in global military strategy as space becomes an increasingly contested domain for national security.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Bernd Debusmann Jr and Chris Graham Getty Images The US has confirmed it deployed a space weapon in Earth's orbit, the first time it has acknowledged such offensive capabilities.
US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the "on orbit" weapon was necessary to safeguard US forces against hostile enemy action.
Speaking at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Monday, Meink said the US was ready for "evolving threats", but did not elaborate on the weapon's capabilities or when it was put into orbit.
Senior military leaders have previously said they planned to boost military capabilities in space, citing Russian and Chinese programmes developing ways to attack and disrupt US satellites in a future conflict.
"We urge the US side to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in outer space," AFP quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying.
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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US Confirms It Has Deployed First-Ever 'On-Orbit' Weapon In Space
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