The U.S. military has acknowledged for the first time that it has deployed space weapons into Earth’s orbit, marking a significant shift in military strategy.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink stated that the military now has ‘on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action,’ though he offered few specifics.

The move comes amid longstanding concerns over Russian and Chinese space activities. An Air Force spokesperson highlighted China’s satellite capability and Russia’s development of a satellite designed to carry a nuclear weapon, underscoring the contested nature of space as a domain of conflict.

Previously, the U.S. had disavowed the destruction of satellites, citing the potential for hazardous debris. Now, the emphasis seems to be on deterrence and securing national interests.

‘Open communication strengthens deterrence, prevents adversary miscalculation, and normalizes space operations alongside the other services,’ the spokesperson noted.