U.S. Deploys First Weapon in Earth Orbit; Washington Begins Space Militarization

The United States has confirmed it has deployed a space-based weapon in Earth orbit, marking the first time it has acknowledged possessing such offensive capabilities.

Troy Meink, U.S. Air Force Secretary, stated that this orbital weapon is essential to protect American forces from any hostile actions.

In a speech on Monday at the "Air, Space and Cyber Conference," Meink said the United States is prepared to confront "evolving threats," though he did not disclose details about the weapon's capabilities or the date it was placed in orbit.

Senior military leaders had previously spoken about plans to enhance military capabilities in space, citing Russian and Chinese programs aimed at developing means to attack and disable American satellites in the event of a future conflict.

The Trump administration stated that space capabilities—including anti-ballistic missiles—form a critical component of the planned defense system known as the "Golden Dome," designed to protect the United States from ballistic missiles and other aerial threats.

It should be noted that the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in orbit. Since then, major powers—including the United States, Russia, and China—have explored other capabilities outside the treaty’s scope, such as targeting adversary satellites, which are vital for military communications, surveillance, and navigation.

Last year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order affirming the role of the "U.S. Space Force," not only in defending assets and property but also as an offensive force.