US deploys its first space-based weapon in warning to China and Russia
US acknowledges the existence of space weapons for the first time (photo: open sources)
The US has deployed a space-based weapon in orbit designed to protect American military forces from hostile actions in space, US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said, according to The Washington Post.
According to Meink, this is the first offensive capability in space publicly acknowledged by the US. He did not specify what type of weapon it is.
The secretary said that the new system will be used to ensure "space control" and protect American forces from enemy actions.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Washington Post that this could include destroying an enemy satellite if it is used to direct strikes against American military forces or US satellites.
Warning to Russia and China
The public announcement of the weapon's deployment served as a signal to Russia and China. Washington has warned in recent years that Moscow and Beijing have been practicing offensive maneuvers in space.
This includes the use of lasers and jamming systems that could pose a threat to American satellites.
Meink said that disclosing information about the new US capability is important from a deterrence standpoint.
"It's important from a deterrence perspective," he said, adding that the new weapon is intended to protect American forces from "hostile adversary action."
At the same time, the US is also developing a network of space-based missiles that it plans to incorporate into the Golden Dome missile defense system in the future.
The US Space Force recently adopted the new Meadowlands mobile electromagnetic warfare system. It is capable of completely blocking the communication and control channels of enemy spacecraft without physically destroying them.
Nuclear weapons could also be hidden in orbit, and scientists have found a way to check for them.
