Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman stated, “It is the formative purpose of the Space Force to achieve space superiority—to ensure freedom of movement in space for our forces while denying the same to our adversaries.” He added, “We must be prepared to employ capabilities for offensive and defensive purposes to deter and, if necessary, defeat aggressors that threaten our vital national interests.”
The framework introduces a standard terminology for counterspace operations and defines responsible measures Guardians may take to protect and control the space domain. These operations are designed to support the success of the broader Joint Force.
Counterspace efforts will span three main areas: orbital warfare, electromagnetic warfare, and cyberspace warfare. Under the command of combatant leaders, Guardians may engage in terrestrial and orbital strikes, space link interdiction, and both active and passive space defence.
“This document builds on the Military Space Operations terms of reference and Space Force Doctrine Document 1 to increase U.S. lethality and deter would-be aggressors in space,” said Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements. “With Space Warfighting, we establish the counterspace framework necessary for Guardians to achieve space superiority, a precondition for Joint Force success.”
The release of Space Warfighting represents a major development in establishing the Space Force as a full warfighting branch. It confirms space superiority as a cornerstone of national security and the operational effectiveness of the U.S. military across all domains.
