US calls Russia and China the main threats in space
Russia and China are "challenging" the United States in space, according to a US military intelligence report released on February 11.
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| X-37B space plane, one of the US military's mysterious projects. Photo: USAF. |
“Recognizing the benefits of space activities, some foreign governments are developing the potential to threaten other nations’ ability to use space. China and Russia in particular are taking steps to challenge the United States,” the report prepared by the U.S. Department of Defense Intelligence Agency (RUMO) said.
RUMO assessed that the space domain is “very important” for the military doctrines of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, both countries have developed “powerful and highly potential” space units, including space reconnaissance. In addition, both countries have the potential to search for potential enemy satellites in space.
“In addition, these countries are developing cyber-jamming and operational capabilities, directed energy weapons, orbital defense capabilities, and ground-based anti-satellite missiles,” the report said.
The United States still has an advantage in space, but further improvement in these countries' capabilities could pose a "threat" to the United States' space potential, the report said.