US Arming Up To Zap China, Russia In Space

2025-03-19 05:02:41

(MENAFN- Asia Times) The race for space dominance is intensifying as the US Space Force embraces directed-energy weapons, jammers and kinetic systems to counter China and Russia's escalating orbital warfare capabilities.

The space war plan, designed to achieve“space superiority”, was outlined by General Chance Saltzman at the recent Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium, Task & Purpose reported .

While traditional military branches have historically explored space weaponry, the US Space Force's contemporary approach includes offensive and defensive tools for terrestrial and orbital operations.

This approach marks a shift from the branch's initial focus on satellite network development for communication and missile detection. Directed energy weapons like lasers and jammers are favored for neutralizing enemy satellites without generating harmful debris in space.

Saltzman also revealed plans for a foundational doctrine,“Space Force Doctrine Document One,” which will define the agency's vision for space operations.

Initiatives such as the secretive X-37B space plane underscore the broader strategic vision for orbital control. The US Space Force's intent to diversify its arsenal reflects its evolving role in maintaining strategic dominance in space, leveraging advanced technologies to counteract adversarial capabilities while minimizing collateral risks.

Illustrating the growing capabilities of near-peer adversarial threats, CNN reported this month that China and Russia are aggressively testing offensive space capabilities, highlighting their increasing space militarization.

According to the report, Russia has recently conducted satellite training missions, practicing“attack and defend tactics” in the Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), while China demonstrated advanced co-orbital satellite maneuvers in December 2024.

The CNN report says both nations are developing technologies such as anti-satellite missiles and directed-energy weapons to disrupt or destroy enemy satellites.

MENAFN19032025000159011032ID1109331663

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.