By Zoila Palma: The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed a weapon in Earth’s orbit, signaling a significant development in the growing militarization of space.
US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the “on orbit” weapon was deployed to protect American forces against potential hostile actions.
Speaking at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Monday, Meink said the United States must be prepared for “evolving threats,” but he did not disclose the weapon’s capabilities or when it was placed in orbit.
US officials have previously warned about Russian and Chinese efforts to develop technologies capable of disrupting or attacking satellites, BBC reports.
China has responded by warning against an arms race in outer space. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson urged Washington to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in space, while US Space Force officials said space-control capabilities can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, including disrupting, degrading or destroying adversary systems.
Experts say the exact nature of the newly acknowledged weapon remains unclear.
Possible technologies could include electronic warfare or radio-jamming systems designed to disrupt communications, while more destructive options could involve systems capable of physically damaging satellites.
The United States has increasingly emphasized space-based capabilities as part of its defense strategy, including President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
The post International News: US confirms deployment of Space weapon in orbit appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed a weapon in Earth’s orbit, signaling a significant development in the growing militarization of space. US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the “on orbit” weapon was deployed to protect American forces against potential hostile actions. Speaking
The post International News: US confirms deployment of Space weapon in orbit appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
