Why is the US far behind Russia and China in the space warfare domain?
An Advanced Extremely High Frequency System. (Photo: US Space Force)
While Beijing and Moscow have been working on anti-satellite weapons at an accelerated speed, Washington still does not have capabilities to defeat them, with one US legislator describing the situation as “the Cuban Missile Crisis in space”.
The US military appears not to have made significant progress in developing capabilities to counter anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) while Russia and China have been rapidly advancing in the domain. The absence of solutions and technologies to protect Washington’s space assets has placed the country in a dangerous position, US lawmakers stated.
In a recent hearing at the House Armed Services Committee, lawmakers alerted the risks the situation poses to the US.
Republican Representative Jeff Crank (Colorado) stressed that the US adversaries “are moving at full speed” in this domain.
“This is a matter of great national security and importance,” Crank stated.
In March
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory]()
June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory
June 2026 saw the landmark acquisition of the first fighter-type Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), while the month also hosted Eurosatory, which showcased deep-strike capabilities and production deals with the civilian industry.
-
![BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly]()
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
