The U.S. military must prepare for battles not only in Earth's orbit but also in the area around the Moon. These statements were made on Wednesday by Greg Gagnon, senior military advisor to President Donald Trump, following the first public disclosure regarding the deployment of space weapons in the United States.
Preparing for Battle in Lunar Space
The Space Force, the newest military branch established by Trump in 2019, is organizing for conflict in orbit and lunar space. Gagnon, the head of the combat command of this force, told reporters: "As humanity advances deeper into space, the mission of the Space Force is to help prepare for the defense of U.S. interests."
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The disclosure of American forces' readiness for battles between high orbit and the Moon came immediately after Troy Meink, the Secretary of the Air Force, announced the operational status of "space control weapons in orbit." These military statements contradict long-standing international norms designed to keep space exclusively for civilian and peaceful purposes.
Space Competitions and Concerns
While several countries, including the United States, have previously demonstrated their ability to destroy satellites in Earth's orbit, these tests have been conducted from ground points on their own assets. However, Gagnon stated: "The intelligence community has clearly indicated that potential adversaries are seeking to extend warfare into space," necessitating a response from the U.S. military.
Gagnon cited the People's Republic of China as an example, stating: "Our potential adversaries like the PRC are pursuing activities in systems and sectors of space." China established its own military space unit in 2024 to enhance its capabilities in managing conflicts in space.
In response to U.S. statements about space weapons, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters on Tuesday: "China has always supported the peaceful use of space and opposes the militarization and arms race in space."
It remains unclear whether placing weapons in orbit or planning to use them around the Moon violates international treaties designed to limit the militarization of space. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which has been ratified by both the United States and China, prohibits the use of celestial bodies, including the Moon, "exclusively for peaceful purposes."
In response to questions regarding treaty commitments, Gagnon emphasized that the U.S. Space Force "will continue to conduct safe and responsible space operations in all areas of space." He refrained from providing specific details regarding military policies related to conventional weapons such as bullets in space and referred questions to the Pentagon. Gagnon added: "We have military capabilities because we are preparing to defend the country."
He also announced that the United States intends to double the size of the Space Force in the next five years, reaching approximately 25,000 service members, with nearly two-thirds dedicated to combat command.
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Source: independent.co.uk
