A new report from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) warns that China is developing energy weapons and spacecraft that could be used for military operations in space. These weapons are expected to reach low Earth orbit by the end of the 2020s with the capability to utilize directed energy weapons.
Development of Energy Weapons in China
The DIA report, titled "Challenges to Security in Space," provides the first estimated timeline for the development of space-based energy weapons by China. China has already developed ground-based energy weapons that can damage satellites, and these weapons are expected to become stronger by the end of the 2020s, potentially affecting satellites beyond low Earth orbit.
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China's Response to the U.S. Report
China has reacted to the U.S. report regarding its military objectives in space, with state media publishing a report criticizing the U.S. warnings. According to these media, the U.S. is increasing its military structure in space while addressing hypothetical threats in this area.
General Steven Whiting of the U.S. Space Force stated at a symposium in Alabama that "there is no sanctuary in space" and added that satellites are in the enemy's weapons engagement zone. He emphasized that if supportive infrastructure is vulnerable and targetable, the performance of satellites will drop to zero.
Earlier this month, the Pentagon introduced four directed energy weapons for use in a counter-drone project. These systems include high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves, which are considered part of the U.S. defensive strategy.
According to existing reports, the U.S. is likely to be heavily reliant on space in a future conflict, while China is also strengthening its military capabilities in this area. This situation could have significant implications for U.S. military capabilities and its role in regional disputes.
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