Confirmation that the US has weapons in space heats up dispute
Experts predict that the US confirmation that it possesses weapons in orbit may generate a reaction from China and Russia
TL;DR
- The US has officially confirmed possessing "space control weapons in orbit capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile actions by adversaries."
- Experts suggest this confirmation could fuel an arms race with China and Russia, as competitors may assume the systems threaten their own assets.
- A US Space Force report details China's development of space and counter-space capabilities, including anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.
- The report also highlights Russia's development of probable prototypes of orbital ASAT weapons and a satellite designed to carry a nuclear weapon.
- China and Russia have condemned the US statement, urging the expansion of military capabilities and preparations for war in outer space, and calling for the complete demilitarization of space.
- Analysts view the US statement as a classic deterrence instrument, aiming to make adversaries calculate the risks of attacking American satellites.
- The article warns that a war in orbit would not stay in orbit, as global communications, GPS, weather forecasting, and telecommunications are linked to space.