US and Allies Race to Finalize Joint Space Defense Strategy

A joint operational plan to protect orbital assets is expected to be completed by the end of this year, according to General Steven Whiting, commander of the U.S. Space Command. The effort aims to prepare for a future “orbital war” by integrating the space capabilities of Washington and its allies.

Speaking at the Mitchell Institute in Washington, Whiting stated that the U.S. and its partners are currently working together to develop a concept of operations. The goal, he explained, is to first eliminate duplication in procedures, and then achieve integration and synchronization in future operations.

Multinational Framework

These efforts fall under the multinational “Olympic Defender” operation, which includes Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. According to the Breaking Defense website, this framework has long been used primarily for joint planning in the military space domain. Now, the U.S. Space Command is seeking to move from coordination to practical execution, particularly through joint exercises and training.

Whiting did not disclose the specific means that the future plan will involve. He only indicated that allies will rely on drills conducted over the past year and a half, which focused on spacecraft proximity maneuvers and tracking objects in orbit.

Proven Success

The general cited Operation “Selene,” led by Canada, as an example. In that operation, seven countries integrated their space surveillance systems to track a “target of increasing importance” in orbit. Whiting confirmed that the operation achieved tangible success, prompting the participating parties to plan to make it a permanent activity within the joint space cooperation framework.

Whiting added: “I expect this plan to be completed roughly by the end of this year,” referring to the ambitious timeline set by Space Command for finalizing the new strategic framework.