US Confirms It Has Weapons in Space

Douglas Schiess, head of the US Space Force, and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink have confirmed that the United States possesses orbital capabilities designed to defend US and allied forces against attacks in space.

The statements amount to Washington’s clearest acknowledgment yet that it has weapons in orbit, amid growing tensions and the development of counterspace capabilities by Russia and China.

The disclosure drew sharp reactions from both countries. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Beijing opposed an arms race and efforts to turn space into a battlefield.

“If the US continues down this path, other countries may be forced to respond,” said Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry also warned of the risks to global stability.

US officials did not disclose what types of weapons have been deployed. Experts, however, point to a shift beyond traditional satellites toward systems capable of jamming signals, blinding sensors or physically interfering with other spacecraft.

(Reuters, max)