1 hr ago
US Confirms On-Orbit Weapons, Raising Space Arms Race Fears
The United States says it has weapons operating in space around Earth.
A senior US official confirmed this publicly but did not explain exactly what the weapons are.
The US Space Force said they could disrupt or damage an opponent’s space equipment.
The systems could be used for defense or offense.
China said the announcement showed that the United States was preparing for war in space.
Russia said space should not contain weapons at all.
Experts worry that the announcement could make the United States, China, and Russia compete more aggressively in orbit.
One expert said the weapons might be signal jammers, but that has not been confirmed by the US.
US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink confirmed that the United States has active “on-orbit” space-control weapons.
Meink declined to provide details, while the US Space Force said such capabilities could use kinetic or non-kinetic means.
The weapons could serve offensive or defensive purposes, according to a Space Force spokesperson.
China accused Washington of preparing for war in outer space and warned against turning space into a battlefield.
Russia called for the complete demilitarization of space, while experts warned the announcement could accelerate an arms race.
- Who
- The United States, with responses from China and Russia; US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink made the announcement.
- What
- The United States confirmed that it has deployed active space-control weapons in orbit.
- Where
- In orbit around Earth; the announcement was made in the United States.
- When
- The confirmation was made on Monday at the annual Air, Space, Cyber conference.
- Why
- The United States says the capabilities are intended to address evolving threats and can be used for offensive or defensive purposes.
Space Demilitarization
US Space Control
Weapons in orbit
Space Demilitarization
China said the United States was preparing for war in outer space, while Russia said space must be free of weapons and called for complete demilitarization.
US Space Control
The United States confirmed that it has deployed space-control weapons and said such capabilities can be used for offensive and defensive purposes.
Effect on security
Space Demilitarization
China and Russia warned against turning space into a battlefield or fueling an arms race.
US Space Control
The United States said it must remain ready to address evolving threats wherever they exist.
Nature of the systems
Space Demilitarization
Critics and experts are concerned about the risks posed by weapons that could affect satellites and other space capabilities.
US Space Control
The United States has not disclosed the specific weapons; a Space Force spokesperson said space control may involve kinetic or non-kinetic methods.
Key facts
- Confirmed capability
- The United States has active “on-orbit” space-control weapons.
- US official
- Troy Meink, secretary of the US Air Force, confirmed the deployment.
- Weapon details
- Meink declined to disclose the specific systems.
- Possible methods
- The US Space Force referred to kinetic and non-kinetic means, including offensive and defensive uses.
- China’s response
- China accused Washington of preparing for war in outer space and opposed an arms race there.
- Russia’s response
- The Kremlin called for space to be free of weapons and for its complete demilitarization.
- Expert concern
- Space experts warned that the public confirmation could accelerate a high-risk arms race.
Quotes
Troy Meink
US secretary of the air force
“Today, we continue to ensure we remain ready to meet the challenges of evolving threats wherever they exist.” “This is why the United States now has, on-orbit, space-control weapons.”
thehansindia.com
China’s foreign ministry
Chinese government ministry responding to the US announcement
“preparing for war in outer space”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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