China may deploy weapons in space by 2030 - US intelligence
U.S. military intelligence stated that China may deploy directed-energy weapon systems in space. The report also highlights Russia's capabilities to develop anti-satellite weapons. These statements come against the backdrop of Washington expanding its orbital military capabilities and promoting the "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative.
China could deploy weapons to space by 2030 - US intelligence
The US Department of Defense's Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has published its assessments of China and Russia's military capabilities in the space domain in a report titled "Challenges to Security in Space".
The document states that China already possesses several ground-based laser complexes. According to US intelligence assessments, they could interfere with the operation of satellites in low Earth orbit, reduce their effectiveness, or damage them.
The report suggests that Beijing could also deploy directed energy systems in space by the end of the 2020s. It is also noted that China could create more powerful ground-based complexes capable of threatening satellites in orbit.
Directed energy weapons use concentrated electromagnetic radiation, including laser beams and high-power microwaves, to affect and damage a target. Such systems can disrupt satellite electronics or blind optical sensors.
US intelligence also focused on Russia's potential developments in the field of kinetic anti-satellite weapons. Among the systems mentioned in the report is "Burevestnik".
In the document, it is described as an anti-satellite capability under development, launched from a specially modified MiG-31 aircraft, designed to strike targets in orbit.
In addition, the report reiterates Washington's assessment that Moscow is developing a satellite intended to carry a nuclear weapon. US intelligence links the "Kosmos-2553" satellite to this potential program.
Russia, on the other hand, stated that "Kosmos-2553" is intended for testing electronic systems under conditions of radiation exposure.
These statements come at a time when the US itself has begun to speak more openly about its military capabilities in space. US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced that the country already has space domain awareness assets deployed in orbit.
According to him, these assets are capable of protecting the American armed forces from hostile actions. However, the military did not disclose their exact capabilities, how many assets have been deployed, or when they were placed into orbit.