Pentagon develops new offensive anti-satellite tech
Date
7/22/2024 4:18:03 AM
(MENAFN) The Pentagon is on the verge of enhancing its offensive counterspace capabilities by deploying new ground-based jammers designed to temporarily disrupt satellite operations of adversaries such as Russia and China. According to Bloomberg, sources within the United States Space Force (USSF) revealed that these new systems, which have been tested earlier this year, will soon be operational. The USSF plans to deploy 11 out of 24 Remote Modular Terminal jammers in the coming months, with all units expected to be in place by the end of the year. Unlike defensive measures aimed at protecting United States satellites from interference, these jammers are intended to counteract the satellite communication capabilities of potential adversaries.
The USSF described these terminals as small, transportable, and cost-effective jamming devices, built using readily available commercial components. The new jammers are set to complement existing electronic warfare systems, such as the larger Counter Communications System and the medium-sized Meadowlands system. They are designed to offer a more distributed, remotely controlled, and flexible approach to countering enemy satellite communications. However, development of the Meadowlands system has faced delays, pushing its rollout to at least October, two years behind schedule.
These jammers are not classified as defensive tools but as offensive counterspace capabilities, intended to disrupt rival satellite operations rather than protect United States satellites. Victoria Samson, chief director of space security and stability at the Secure World Foundation, noted that these systems are meant to be reversible and temporary, allowing for plausible deniability regarding their use. The goal is to provide a non-escalatory method of countering adversarial space assets while maintaining strategic ambiguity.
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