From NPR · · 1m 20s
U.S. confirms it has weapons in space for the first time
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink reveals the U.S. has deployed space control weapons capable of defending against hostile adversaries.
In brief
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink reveals the U.S. has deployed space control weapons capable of defending against hostile adversaries. The U.S. has broken decades of precedent by confirming it has deployed weapons in orbit, marking a new era in space militarization. Originally reported by NPR.
U.S. deploys weapons in space
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the U.S. has fielded on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending against hostile adversary action.
“on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action.”
Details remain classified
Meink didn't reveal what the weapons are, how they work, or whether they target objects in space or on Earth.
Russia and China drive concerns
The U.S. warned two years ago that Russia was developing a space-based anti-satellite weapon. Much U.S. infrastructure depends on satellite communications.
Trump's Golden Dome system
Trump announced a missile defense system with space-based weapons, expected to be operational by January 2029. The space components could cost $542 billion over 20 years.
Russia vetoed weapons ban
In 2024, Russia vetoed a U.S.-Japanese resolution against space weapons, then proposed banning all weapons in space. Russia argued the U.S. opposed a total ban because it planned to deploy weapons there.
Breaking the 1967 treaty spirit
The Outer Space Treaty declared space a global commons for peaceful purposes only. The new weapons mark a departure from decades of international agreement.
The headline
The U.S. has broken decades of precedent by confirming it has deployed weapons in orbit, marking a new era in space militarization.
