US Confirms Weapons in Orbit, Raising Space Arms Race Concerns

The United States has publicly confirmed that it has deployed weapons in orbit, marking a significant development in military activity in space. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the US had fielded “on-orbit space control weapons” designed to protect military forces from hostile actions, but he did not disclose their capabilities, targets or operating methods.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration expands its focus on space-based defence through the proposed Golden Dome missile defence system and plans for space-based interceptors. The US has previously raised concerns about Russia developing space-based anti-satellite capabilities and has demonstrated the ability to destroy satellites using ground-launched weapons.

The United States established the Space Force as a separate military branch in 2019. Trump later ordered the Pentagon to pursue space-based interceptors and said Golden Dome should become operational before January 2029. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the system’s space-based components could cost up to $542 billion over 20 years.

The development also adds to long-running disputes over the militarisation of outer space. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits placing nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in orbit and establishes principles governing peaceful use of space. Russia and the US have clashed at the United Nations over proposals concerning weapons in space, with Moscow previously accusing Washington and its allies of seeking military advantages in orbit.

The latest US disclosure is expected to intensify debate over space security, treaty interpretations and the possibility of an expanding space arms race.

Published: 59m ago

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