To Deter China and Russia, U.S. Admits for the First Time It Has Long Deployed Space Weapons

The Financial Times reported that the U.S. military acknowledged for the first time on the 14th that it has already deployed weapons in space, though it declined to disclose specific details or capabilities. Security experts warn that this move could prompt other nations to follow suit and expand their own space weaponry, particularly as China and Russia accelerate their respective space military programs.

Speaking at a conference hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association on the 14th, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stated: “The United States now possesses space-control weapons deployed in orbit capable of protecting joint forces against hostile actions.”

Kendall noted that such deployments are “crucial from a deterrence perspective,” but added that revealing further details about “what we are doing” could actually undermine that deterrent effect. He further emphasized the need for the U.S. to ensure “freedom of action” in space, given its status as a vital domain for U.S. military and economic security.

The Trump administration is accelerating the development of space capabilities required for the “Gold Dome” missile defense system. Kendall stated on the 14th that the U.S. currently possesses space interceptor hardware ready for flight testing. Space interceptors are a key component of the Gold Dome system, designed to intercept incoming missiles in space.

The U.S. Space Force defines “space control” as the offensive and defensive activities required to contest and control space, with the ultimate goal of achieving “space superiority.” According to the Space Force’s operational framework, orbital attacks may employ either kinetic weapons—those capable of causing physical destruction—or non-kinetic means.

Regarding whether China has also deployed space-based military capabilities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated: “China has consistently advocated for the peaceful use of space and the maintenance of space security, while opposing the weaponization of space, its transformation into a battlefield, and an arms race in space. We urge the U.S. to cease military expansion and war preparations in space and to take concrete actions to uphold global strategic stability.”