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U.S. Confirms Space Arms, China and Russia Protest

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink says America now has orbital systems capable of defending joint forces; Beijing and Moscow warn of a new arms race

For the first time, the United States has publicly acknowledged deploying weapons in space — and declared it is prepared to use them to defend American forces. The announcement came from Air Force Secretary Troy Meink during the annual Air and Space Forces Association conference in Maryland, marking a rare moment of transparency in a domain traditionally shrouded in secrecy.

“We are ready to confront evolving threats wherever they arise,” Meink said, adding that the U.S. now possesses “space‑control weapons in orbit capable of defending joint forces against hostile actions.”

Meink offered no details about the systems involved — no description, no timeline, no capabilities — and declined to answer follow‑up questions. But the statement alone was enough to provoke immediate responses from Beijing and Moscow, the two countries the U.S. Space Force identifies as its primary strategic competitors.

China and Russia condemn the move

China accused Washington of weaponizing space and pushing the world toward a new arms race. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said:

“We urge the American side to stop expanding military capabilities and preparing for war in space.”

Russia echoed the criticism. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said space must remain “free of weapons”, calling for broad international cooperation to achieve “complete demilitarization.”

Both countries have long argued that U.S. military activity in orbit destabilizes global security — even as they develop their own space‑related military programs.

Space Force confirms deployment — without details

Following Meink’s remarks, a Space Force spokesperson confirmed that the U.S. has indeed deployed weapons in orbit, again without specifying type or number.

The spokesperson described “space control” as mission areas designed to contest and control the space domain, using kinetic and non‑kinetic means to influence an adversary’s capabilities. Non‑kinetic tools can include lasers to disrupt satellite sensors, or electromagnetic and cyber interference targeting data links — all categories widely discussed in defense literature, though the U.S. did not confirm any specific system.

“These capabilities can be used for offensive and defensive purposes,” the spokesperson said.

A strategic shift with global implications

The announcement marks a significant moment in U.S. defense posture. While Washington has long invested in space‑related military capabilities, it had never explicitly stated that operational weapons were already in orbit.

The timing is notable: tensions with China and Russia are rising across multiple domains, and both countries have accelerated their own space programs. The Space Force’s public messaging frames the U.S. deployment as a necessary response to adversaries who already treat space as a battlefield.

The world’s major powers now face a new reality: the era of openly acknowledged space weaponry has begun.

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