US Confirms Weapons Are Deployed in Orbit for the First Time

The United States has publicly acknowledged for the first time that it has deployed “on-orbit space control weapons.” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink made the disclosure at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, saying the weapons are intended to help defend US and allied forces against hostile actions. However, he did not provide details about the type, capabilities or deployment timeline of the systems. Meink said revealing operational details would not serve the purpose of deterrence.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over military competition in space, particularly involving China and Russia. US officials have increasingly highlighted the development of counter-space capabilities and the importance of protecting satellites used for communications, navigation and military operations. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit, but does not prohibit all other forms of military activity or weapons in space. The latest US disclosure is therefore likely to intensify debate over the militarisation of space and a possible arms race in orbit.