US General Voices Concerns Over China’s Space Dogfighting Tactics
General Michael Guetlein warns that China is developing ‘dogfighting’ tactics in space, showcasing coordinated satellite maneuvers. He outlines additional significant threats such as anti-satellite weapons and advanced military technologies from adversaries. The U.S. Space Force aims to establish superiority in an increasingly competitive space domain.
On Tuesday, General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations, expressed concerns regarding China’s development of space ‘dogfighting’ tactics. Speaking at the McAleese defense programs conference, he noted that the U.S. Space Force has witnessed coordinated maneuvers from five different Chinese satellites, described as ‘dogfighting’ – a term traditionally related to air combat between fighter jets. Guetlein stated, “The service is starting to see our near-peers focusing on practicing dogfighting in space with satellite-on-satellite operations.”
He further elaborated that these observations involved three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two additional Chinese space objects, Shijian-6 05A/B, performing synchronized operations in low Earth orbit. These maneuvers reflect a growing interest in operational techniques among foreign competitors, marking a significant concern for U.S. space security. Guetlein highlighted the need for the U.S. to adapt its strategy in response to these emerging space threats.
In addition to the aforementioned tactics, Guetlein identified several other threats posed by adversarial nations, including ‘nesting dolls’ deploying anti-satellite weapons, satellites that conduct surveillance on others, and those equipped with grappling arms which could capture or incapacitate rival satellites. He expressed particular alarm over Russia’s development of nuclear weapons for space.
Guetlein criticized the current geopolitical climate, stating, “Unfortunately, our current adversaries are willing to go against international norms of behavior, go against that gentleman’s agreement, and they’re willing to do it in very unsafe and unprofessional manners.” He emphasized that foreign competitors have significantly reduced the capability gap previously held by the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for a strategic recalibration. The Space Force, established as an independent military branch in 2020 under President Trump, focuses on achieving and maintaining superiority in the space domain, a mission underscored by General Guetlein’s statements.
In summary, General Michael Guetlein’s remarks underscore the increasing complexities of space warfare, particularly with China’s advancements in satellite maneuvers akin to aerial dogfighting. The highlighted threats extend beyond tactics to include aggressive capabilities from adversaries like Russia. There is a call for the U.S. to reassess its strategies and fortify its position in an evolving and contested space environment.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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