US Officially Confirms It Has a Space-Control Weapon in Orbit

Speaking at the Air & Space Forces Association's Air, Space and Cyber Conference, US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink publicly confirmed for the first time that the Space Force now operates space-control weapons in orbit, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine. Meink said these systems are capable of defending joint US forces against hostile actions by adversaries.

Meink stressed that the disclosure was intentional, describing his remarks as carefully considered rather than accidental. He declined to specify what kind of weapon has been deployed or provide further operational details.

Expert reaction

Space security expert Victoria Samson told Defense One that the statement marks a significant moment, noting that no US official has previously made such an acknowledgment. She said the admission means Washington will now have to accept similar statements or actions from Russia and China, adding that this outcome does not serve US national security interests. Asked to speculate on the nature of the weapon, Samson suggested it is more likely to be space-based electronic warfare equipment than a kinetic weapon.

Prior warnings about Russia

In 2024, the United States accused Russia of deploying a satellite capable of attacking other satellites in orbit. That same year, US officials also warned of alleged Russian plans to place a satellite carrying a nuclear payload into space. Moscow dismissed those reports as a fabrication, but it subsequently blocked a UN Security Council resolution that would have banned placing nuclear weapons in space.