The US has acknowledged deploying an offensive weapon in orbit for the first time.
This marks a significant shift in how Washington talks about warfare beyond Earth.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the “on orbit” weapon was needed to protect US forces from hostile action.
He offered no details about what it can do or when it was deployed.
Why the secrecy? US officials have increasingly warned that Russia and China are developing ways to disrupt or attack American satellites.
These satellites are essential for military communications, navigation and surveillance.
The US Space Force says “space control” can involve disrupting, degrading or even destroying an adversary’s capabilities, using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.
Space Warfare Expands
The development also ties into President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system.
It is expected to rely partly on space-based capabilities.
International rules remain complicated. A 1967 treaty prohibits weapons of mass destruction in orbit, but does not ban every form of anti-satellite technology.
Russia and China have been accused of developing or operating such systems.
The US has also warned about Russian satellites capable of targeting others.
America created its Space Force in 2019 to protect its growing network of military satellites.
But now the mission is expanding beyond defence. If space becomes another battlefield, how long before Earth’s wars reach the stars?
