US Claims On-Orbit Weapons, Sparking Space-Deterrence Debate

The US for the first time acknowledged it has weapons that operate in space, saying it possesses on-orbit space-control weapons capable of defending the joint force, though it gave few specifics. The announcement aligns with efforts to build space-based defense under the Golden Dome concept, including flight-ready hardware for space-based interceptors. Security experts warn such disclosures could prompt other countries to pursue counter-space capabilities and may complicate deterrence by muddying lines of engagement.