Now Reading: U.S. reinforces militarization of space: the vision of the Space Force chief
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U.S. reinforces militarization of space: the vision of the Space Force chief
In an increasingly competitive and strategic scenario, space has established itself as a new combat domain. So says General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the US Space Force, in an exclusive interview with Airpresswhere he explained the current and future challenges in global space security.
Space as a war domain
According to Saltzman, space is no longer a passive environment. It has been transformed into a "warfighting domain"as well as land, air, sea or cyberspace. This is due to the active development of capabilities by powers such as China and Russia, which seek to interfere with or destroy critical satellites and orbital infrastructures.
"We must protect the freedom of action of the United States and its allies in space, just as in any other domain," Saltzman said. That's why the Space Force was created in 2019, with the goal of forming a specialized force ready to deter and prevail in potential space conflicts.
Key capabilities and strategy for 2030
Among current priorities, the Space Force seeks to strengthen systems that are resilient, interoperable with allies, and difficult to attack. These include:
- Distributed satellites for navigation and secure communications.
- Spatial situational awareness (Space Domain Awareness).
- Early warning systems and technological superiority against threats.
In addition, a generation of "guardians" is being trained with high qualifications in space operations, cyber defense and intelligence. The strategic goal to 2030: maintain space superiority, integrate allies and ensure its stability as a secure environment for collective defense.
Growing threats: China and Russia
Saltzman warned that the threats are real and present. China has deployed anti-satellite weapons, jammers and targeted cyber capabilities to neutralize U.S. and allied space assets. Russia, meanwhile, continues to develop space weaponry that compromises global stability.
"A conflict in space would have irreversible consequences. Unlike in other domains, the remnants of an orbital explosion could remain active for decades," the general warned.
Alliances, key to space security
International cooperation is a central pillar of the Space Force's strategy. Initiatives such as Combined Space Operations (CSpO) -which includes the U.S., Italy and eight other countries - strengthen interoperability, information sharing and response to common threats.
Saltzman also highlighted the historic appointment of British Marshal Paul Godfrey as Chief Assistant for Future Concepts and Alliances, signaling an unprecedented level of integration among allies.
"Space power is a team sport," Saltzman concluded, stressing that only through a strong network of international cooperation will it be possible to maintain space as a safe, stable and sustainable domain.
