Gen Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Space Force, called on American troops to prepare for combat not only in Earth’s orbit but also around the moon during a conference in Washington, DC, on September 16, 2026. Caine emphasized the Space Force’s role in defending US interests, stating, "American troops need to prepare for combat not only in Earth’s orbit but around the moon."
Lt Gen Gregory Gagnon, head of the force’s Combat Forces Command, echoed Caine’s sentiments, saying, "humanity is advancing deeper into space." Gagnon added that the Space Force’s mission is to ensure the United States is prepared to fight, endure, and win from the seabed to cislunar space.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink revealed for the first time that the US has deployed weapons in space at the same conference. Meink disclosed that the US has fielded “on-orbit space control weapons,” marking a significant shift in the country’s military posture in space. The Space Force, established by President Donald Trump in 2019, has been at the forefront of this development, expanding its mission to include the defense of US interests in space.
The deployment of these weapons highlights the increasing militarization of space, a trend that has been growing since the Space Force’s establishment. The Space Force, as the newest military service, is tasked with ensuring the security and stability of space operations, which are critical for national defense and economic interests.
The revelations have sparked discussions about the future of space warfare and the need for international regulations to govern military activities in space. The US military’s focus on combat readiness in cislunar space signals a new era of strategic competition in the final frontier, where the stakes are high and the potential for conflict is increasing.
The Space Force’s actions and statements indicate a proactive approach to addressing potential threats in space, emphasizing the need for constant adaptation and readiness. As the Space Force continues to develop its capabilities, it will be crucial for the international community to engage in dialogue to prevent an arms race in space and ensure the peaceful use of this critical domain.