The key facts

  • DIA suggests China may deploy directed-energy systems in space by the end of the 2020s
  • According to the intelligence assessment, China already has ground-based laser systems threatening satellites in low orbit
  • The report also mentions Russian anti-satellite developments, including 'Burevestnik' and the 'Cosmos-2553' satellite

US intelligence assessments on space weapons

The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has published a report titled 'Challenges to Security in Space' with assessments of China's and Russia's military capabilities in the space domain. The report was reported by the Uzbek outlet Kun.uz citing a SpaceNews publication.

China: ground-based lasers and plans for orbital weapons

The document states that China already possesses several ground-based laser systems which, according to US intelligence assessments, can interfere with the operation of satellites in low Earth orbit, degrade their effectiveness, or disable them. The report suggests that by the end of the 2020s Beijing may also deploy directed-energy systems in space, as well as build more powerful ground-based complexes capable of threatening satellites in orbit. Directed-energy weapons use focused electromagnetic radiation — laser beams and high-power microwaves — to affect a target; such systems can disrupt satellite electronics or disable optical sensors.

Russia: kinetic weapons and 'Cosmos-2553'

US intelligence has also drawn attention to probable Russian developments of kinetic anti-satellite weapons. Among the systems mentioned in the report is 'Burevestnik', described as an anti-satellite munition under development against orbital targets, launched from a specially modified MiG-31 aircraft. In addition, the document repeats Washington's assessment that Moscow is developing a satellite for placing nuclear weapons in space: intelligence links the 'Cosmos-2553' spacecraft to this possible program. Russia, for its part, has stated that 'Cosmos-2553' is intended for testing electronic systems under radiation exposure.

Context: the US itself speaks about its orbital capabilities

These statements came against the backdrop of the US itself speaking more openly about its military capabilities in space. US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said that the country already possesses space control assets deployed in orbit. According to him, these assets are capable of protecting American armed forces from hostile actions, but the military has not disclosed their specific capabilities, the number of deployed spacecraft, or the timing of their launches.