U.S. admission of space weapons seen as landmark moment in race with China and Russia
The move underscores how quickly developments have escalated into increasingly open preparations for the prospect of conflict extending into space.
The U.S. Pentagon has acknowledged operating weapons in Earth's orbit, marking a significant moment in the ongoing space militarization race against China and Russia, according to officials and analysts. General Douglas Schiess, head of the U.S. Space Force, revealed on Tuesday that his military branch operates on-orbit weapons designed to defend the Joint Force against space-enabled attacks.
The service plans to make "disciplined and responsible choices" as it expands its orbital defense arsenal in the years ahead. This admission followed a statement by U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy McPeak Jr., who confirmed that the U.S. possesses on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending against hostile actions from adversaries.
This is the most explicit confirmation yet of U.S. weapons in orbit, amid growing tensions in space with Russia and China.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
