U.S. acknowledges for the first time that it has deployed a space weapon in orbit

The United States has acknowledged for the first time that it has deployed a space weapon in orbit, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink revealed this during a speech at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, stating that the deployment is aimed at defending the joint force against hostile adversary action.

Meink emphasized that this is the first official acknowledgment of the deployment, noting that it was done deliberately and thoughtfully. He did not provide details about the nature of the weapon, but space security expert Victoria Samson suggested it was likely space-based electronic warfare equipment rather than a kinetic weapon.

Samson expressed concern that this development could prompt similar actions from China and Russia, potentially undermining U.S. national security. In 2024, the U.S. had accused Russia of deploying a satellite capable of attacking other satellites, and the same year, the U.S. warned of alleged Russian plans to place a nuclear-capable satellite in orbit.

Russia dismissed these reports as a "ruse" but blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution prohibiting the placement of nuclear weapons in space. This report was written by a Meduza journalist and translated from Russian using an AI model, with editorial review to ensure accuracy.