China has criticized the deployment, urging the US to avoid fueling an arms race in space|(representational image)|NASA
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink revealed that the US has placed a military weapon in orbit, marking the first public confirmation of America’s offensive space capability.
Meink announced the move Monday, saying the system would help protect US forces from attacks and respond to changing threats. He did not disclose any further details about the weapon.
US officials have increasingly warned that Russia and China are developing technologies that can disrupt or attack satellites, which play a major role in military communications, navigation, and surveillance.
The secrecy surrounding the new US system has left experts guessing about its purpose. Some believe it could use electronic warfare to jam communications, while others say it could involve technology that can physically damage satellites.
China has criticized the deployment, urging Washington to avoid fueling a space arms race.