US Deploys Weapons in Space

The United States has confirmed that it has placed space weapons in Earth’s orbit. This is the first time the US has acknowledged possessing such offensive capabilities.

US Secretary of the Air Force, Troy Meink, said the weapons placed in orbit are needed to protect US forces from adversary actions. “The United States is ready to face the continually evolving threat,” he said while speaking at the Air, Space and Cyber conference, as reported by the BBC on Monday (14/9/2026).

However, he did not detail the capabilities of the weapons or when they were placed in orbit.

Senior military officials had previously announced plans to enhance military capabilities in space, citing Russian and Chinese programmes that are developing ways to attack and disrupt US satellites in a future conflict.

The Trump administration stated that space-based capabilities—along with interceptor missiles—are a crucial part of the plan for the “Golden Dome” defence system. The programme aims to protect the United States from missile attacks and other aerial threats.

A 1967 treaty prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit. Since then, major powers—including the United States, Russia and China—have explored other capabilities beyond the scope of the treaty, such as targeting adversaries’ satellites, which are vital for military communications, reconnaissance and navigation.