US Admits to Possessing Weapons in Space — to Counter Russia and China?

The United States has for the first time openly admitted to possessing weapons in space. The acknowledgement comes amid escalating tensions between Washington, Russia and China.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the US Space Force now has space-control weapons deployed in orbit. According to him, the capability was deployed to counter threats and prevent hostile actions against US forces.

“Today, we continue to ensure we remain ready to face the challenges of evolving threats wherever they are,” Meink said in a keynote speech at the opening of the 2026 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in Maryland on Monday, as quoted by RT on Tuesday (15/9/2026).

“That is why the Space Force now has space-control weapons in orbit capable of defending joint forces from hostile adversary actions,” he added, noting that the capability is important “from a deterrence perspective”.

Meink did not give further details on the type or capabilities of the weapons. He only stressed that the US needs to maintain dominance not only in the air, but also in space.

The Washington Post quoted a US official saying the technology could potentially include the ability to “take out” enemy satellites if they are used to attack US forces or satellites. Under international law, deploying weapons in space is not prohibited as long as they are not weapons of mass destruction.

The development of this capability has taken place as the US, Russia, China and India have conducted various anti-satellite weapons tests since the 2000s. Russia, for instance, destroyed a defunct Soviet-era spy satellite in November 2021, while Washington is also developing the Golden Dome, a layered missile defence system that includes plans for space-based interceptors.