The United States' possession of an offensive capability in space was disclosed at a conference in Maryland. US Defense Secretary Troy Meink announced that the country has space-control weapons in orbit.
Meink said preparations had been intensified in response to the changing threat environment. He said the capability would be used to defend US forces against hostile actions and stated that the United States must maintain its superiority not only in the air but also in space.
Meink did not disclose the type of weapons or when they had been deployed. The statement was regarded as the first confirmation that the United States possesses an offensive capability in space.
Capability to disable enemy satellites
The United States accuses China and Russia of seeking to develop military capabilities in space. The statement said that the US capability in space would be used to defend its forces and satellites in the event of a threat.
A US official said the capability could include disabling enemy satellites if US forces or satellites were targeted.