The U.S. Air Force Secretary confirmed the existence of weapons in space on September 14. These remarks were made during his keynote speech titled "Advancements in Warfare Power in Air and Space," but no further details were provided regarding the type and status of these weapons.
First Confirmation of Weapons Presence in Space
This is the first time that the U.S. armed forces have confirmed the existence of weapons in space. This issue has been a point of global discussion and concern, especially since the Soviet Union launched the Sputnik satellite into orbit in 1957. In response to questions after his speech, the Air Force Secretary did not elaborate further, stating, "This phrase was well thought out."
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Need to Maintain Space Capabilities
The Air Force Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining the United States' space capabilities and preventing threats from rising competitors, although he did not name these specific competitors. He said, "Maintaining and enhancing our space capabilities is crucial, and as everyone knows, many countries have developed capabilities to threaten these assets."
The Air Force Secretary also stressed the need to increase combat power and innovate faster than others. He stated, "If we want to deter our competitors, we must enhance our combat power and innovate cost-effectively."
The U.S. Space Forces released a framework for space warfare in 2025, defining "space control" as a core function for achieving space superiority. This framework includes activities essential for competing and controlling the space domain.
The Air Force Secretary also referred to the international space tracking program currently being developed as part of President Donald Trump's "Iron Dome" missile defense system. In his speech, he emphasized his commitment to the fundamental mission of defending the homeland and deterring all competitors.
With rapid changes in the battlefield environment and the emergence of new technologies such as one-way attack drones and artificial intelligence, the Air Force Secretary highlighted the need to adapt to these changes, stating, "Today we face a combination of rapidly changing technologies and competitors who are aggressively utilizing them."
Given these challenges, the Air Force Secretary stressed the necessity of maintaining U.S. superiority in both air and space, saying, "We must take actions to defend ourselves in times of threat."
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