17 April US Space Force (U.S. Space Force) released their most outspoken strategy for protecting US satellites and operating in space in the event of conflict. The document entitled “Space Warfighting: A Framework for Planners” lays the groundwork for conducting defensive and offensive operations in outer space, witnessing a paradigm shift in Pentagon thinking about warfare outside the Earth's atmosphere.
Space is no longer considered a neutral environment
The document emphasizes, that space today is an active battlefield, which ensures the functioning of almost all modern military systems: from missile launch warning systems to precision positioning and navigation. If the satellite infrastructures are disabled, the entire defense capability of the United States may be at risk.
The main purpose of the document is to prepare servicemen of the Space Forces for that, to guarantee freedom of maneuver for the US in space and, if necessary, limit access to outer space for the enemy.
Gradual "normalization" of space warfare
Since the creation of 2019 year, the US Space Force is gradually establishing itself as a full-fledged combat branch of the Armed Forces. The new document reflects this transition: from passive defense to active readiness to act offensively. The rhetoric of the Pentagon has also changed — if earlier it was only about "defense and deterrence", now clearly mentions offensive capabilities in space.
The strategy also fits into the general course of the American military leadership on the formation of a combat ethos: culture, focused on combat readiness, effectiveness and readiness to counter threats.
What offensive actions in space will look like
The document does not contain descriptions of specific weapons, but describes general concepts of possible actions, in particular:
- Orbital strikes are aimed at disabling enemy satellites, which can be tracked by US troops, ships or provide navigational support to missile strikes.
- Interference with data transmission - cyber attacks or electromagnetic interference, disrupting communication between the satellite and ground control stations.
- Ground strikes on infrastructure — attacks on launch sites, aerial fields or command centers of the enemy, who manage space operations.
Although it is about combat operations, Space powers emphasize the importance of caution, in particular, avoiding the formation of space debris, which may threaten civilian or allied apparatuses.
Against the background of global challenges
The publication of this doctrine took place against the background of growing tensions between China and Russia, which are actively developing their own space capabilities. In this context, the US seeks to formalize the approach to countermeasures in space, to ensure the combat capability of the entire combined army in the event of a major conflict.
Source: https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-lays-out-battle-plan-for-space-in-new-warfighting-guide/