US has deployed a space weapon, air force secretary says
The US Air Force has officially confirmed the deployment of an offensive space weapon to protect national assets from potential threats. This move marks a shift in military strategy as major powers increasingly compete for dominance in the orbital domain.
Why it matters
This development signals a significant escalation in the militarization of space, potentially challenging international treaties and increasing geopolitical tensions.
Image source, Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images By Bernd Debusmann Jr and Chris Graham Published 8 minutes ago 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.
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