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The United States has admitted that for the maiden time it has deployed “on-orbit space control weapons”, marking a massive development in the militarisation of outer space. US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink made the disclosure at the 2026 Air, Space and Cyber Conference, although the US has not revealed what specific weapons are presently deployed.
The US Space Force stated that the systems are directed to shield US forces from hostile actions and can use both kinetic and non-kinetic means to potentially destroy enemy powers.
What are space weapons?
“Space weapons” widely relate to systems developed to intercept, disrupt or destroy satellites and other space-based infrastructure.
They can include electronic-warfare systems such as jammers, which interfere with communications or satellite signals, as well as cyber capabilities and kinetic systems that can damage another spacecraft.
The US has not confirmed whether its latest disclosed orbital weapons are jammers, kinetic interceptors or another type of system. The Space Force has said it will not disclose operational methods, payloads or technical features.
Is it legal to place weapons in space?
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits countries from placing nuclear weapons or other weapons of massive destruction in orbit. It also prohibits military bases, weapons testing and military manoeuvres on the Moon and other celestial bodies.
However, the treaty does not implement a blanket ban on conventional weapons in Earth orbit. Consequently, conventional anti-satellite systems and electronic-warfare capabilities are not obviously illegal under the treaty.
The US Space Force has stated that its operations are in sync with international law, including the Outer Space Treaty and the law of armed conflict.
How did China and Russia respond?
China slammed the US announcement, urging the US to stop bolstering military potential in outer space. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned against turning space into a battlefield or causing an arms race.
Russia also criticised the deployment and reiterated that space must remain free of weapons and urged global efforts toward a legally binding deal to prevent an arms race in outer space.
Which other countries own space weapons?
Besides US, Russia and China have built anti-satellite and other counter-space systems, including direct-ascent ASAT weapons, electronic jamming, spoofing and cyber capabilities. Russia showcased an anti-satellite missile in 2021, which can hit one of its own satellites and release thousands of pieces of orbital debris.
India showcased its anti-satellite capability in the 2019 Mission Shakti test. France, Israel, Iran, the UK and other countries also boost or are producing various military or counter-space capabilities, although their systems and missions vary completely.