US confirms space-based weaponry, drawing condemnation from China and Russia

The U.S. Space Force confirmed it has space-control weapons in orbit, prompting China and Russia to warn against the militarization and weaponization of outer space.

Key points

• The U.S. military stated that these orbital systems use kinetic and non-kinetic means to protect joint forces from hostile actions.
• China urged Washington to halt the expansion of military capabilities in space, while Russia called for complete desmilitarization.
• Analysts note the announcement formalized an open secret while raising concerns over an escalating space arms race due to a lack of comprehensive regulation.

Why it matters

The official acknowledgment of orbital weapons by the United States marks a critical escalation in major power competition for military space capabilities, intensifying geopolitical tensions and highlighting gaps in international space arms control treaties.