US Space Force Deploys On-Orbit Space Control Weapons, Secretary Says

Air Force Secretary Troy Meek told an audience at the Air and Space Forces Association conference that the U.S. Space Force now has on-orbit "space control weapons" capable of defending the joint force against hostile actions. He did not specify the type of systems and the Department of the Air Force declined to give further information.

Meek said the remarks were intended to reinforce deterrence, noting that public discussion of capabilities could provoke adversaries but that detailed test data would not aid deterrence. He asked whether anyone doubted that China and Russia were developing similar weapons and emphasized the need to protect U.S. and allied space assets.

The secretary also highlighted other space initiatives, including "flight-ready" hardware for space-based interceptors that could engage adversary missiles from orbit as part of the Pentagon’s Golden Dome effort. He announced that the first air-moving target indication (AMTI) satellite will launch this month, with a full constellation expected by 2028 following a multibillion-dollar contract awarded to SpaceX.

In addition to space weapons, Meek outlined plans for unmanned aircraft, stating the Air Force aims to field 100 Massed Modular Aircraft drones by 2029 and 500 by 2032, and expects 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft wingmen to be operational by 2032 after selecting Anduril and General Atomics for production.

"Is there any question in the room by anybody about whether or not the Chinese and Russians have been developing these sorts of weapons?" Meek asked during a round-table with reporters.

"The space systems are actually building faster than we can field the E-7," he added, noting the accelerated pace of space system development compared with a decade ago.