US Confirms First On-Orbit Weapons Amid China, Russia Threats

The United States says it has weapons already orbiting Earth.

The United States Space Force says these weapons can help protect American and allied military forces.

Officials did not explain exactly what the weapons are or where they are located.

They said the systems can be used for defense or offense.

The systems may use physical force or other methods to affect an opponent’s space capabilities.

The United States says China and Russia are developing military systems for space.

Space militarization began during the Cold War after Sputnik was launched in 1957.

A 1967 treaty bans nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in orbit.

However, the treaty does not ban every conventional military capability in space.