World · Malaysia Bureau
US Space Force confirms deployment of orbital weapons systems
The US Space Force has acknowledged maintaining armed capabilities in orbit as part of its space control strategy, highlighting growing military competition in space between major powers.
LSN Malaysia ·
A spokesperson for the US Space Force confirmed that Washington has weapons systems deployed in Earth's orbit, describing the arsenal as essential to maintaining space superiority against potential adversaries.
According to the official statement, space control operations encompass both offensive and defensive capabilities utilising kinetic and non-kinetic methods. These systems are designed to neutralise threats and protect American and allied interests in the orbital domain.
The acknowledgement marks a significant statement on US military strategy in space, an increasingly contested frontier for global powers. Military analysts note that China and Russia have similarly invested in anti-satellite weapons and space-based defence systems in recent years.
The Space Force's confirmation underscores the widening militarisation of space as nations seek technological advantage beyond Earth's atmosphere. Defence officials maintain that such capabilities are necessary to ensure national security and protect critical satellite infrastructure used for communications, navigation and surveillance.