The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- The United States has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed weapons in space, with Air Force Secretary Troy Meink describing them as on-orbit space control weapons for defensive purposes.
- Meink did not detail what the weapons are, how they work, or whether they target objects in space or on Earth.
- The announcement comes as part of the Trump administration's growing focus on space, including the 'Golden Dome' missile defence system, whose space-based components could cost as much as USD 542 billion over 20 years according to the Congressional Budget Office.
- The revelation follows a 2024 debate at the United Nations, where Russia vetoed a US-Japanese resolution against weapons of mass destruction in space and argued that the US opposed a full ban because it planned to deploy weapons there.
- The confirmation matters because a 1967 international treaty, signed by both the US and Russia, declares outer space a global commons to be used only for peaceful purposes.
What to watch next
- Details on the nature and capabilities of the deployed space weapons, which Meink did not disclose
- Progress on the Golden Dome missile defence system, which Trump said should be fully operational before the end of his term in January 2029
- Whether the UN debate over banning weapons in space resumes following the US confirmation
Who said what2
Only words found exactly in the article are shown, attributed and linked to the line they came from.
Troy Meink
Air Force Secretary
1 quote · 1 outlet
“on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action.”
In the article
…previous warnings about countries such as Russia possibly weaponizing a global frontier long agreed in treaties to be used for only peaceful purposes. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said Monday that the US has fielded “ on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the Joint Force against hostile adversary action. ” Meink did not detail what the weapons were, how they work or if they were targeting other objects in space or on Earth. The US had warned two years ago that Russia was developing a new space-based, anti-satellite…
Donald Trump
1 quote · 1 outlet
“fully operational before the end of my term”
In the article
…as a separate military branch. In his second term, he has announced the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, which includes plans to put US weapons in space. Trump said last year that he expected the system would be “ fully operational before the end of my term ,” which ends in January 2029, and have the capability of intercepting missiles “even if they are launched from space.” Trump also has directed the Pentagon to pursue the space-based interceptors, in an executive order…
Coverage1
All filed from India
Named United States · Russia · China · Air and Space Forces Association · Congressional Budget Office · Donald Trump · Pentagon · Troy Meink · United Nations · United States Air Force · United States Space Force · White House
The 1 report is listed beside the record.
Ask this story
Answers cite the reports above, or say they can't.