U.S. military leaders address space warfare and air defense vulnerabilities

At the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, military officials and leaders addressed evolving threats in space and air defense. U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) Gen. Stephen Whiting emphasized the necessity of orbital warfare capabilities, including kinetic and non-kinetic options, to counter China’s expansion of space-based systems and anti-satellite weapons. Whiting noted that space survivability is a critical requirement, stating, “In space, there is no safe harbor.” SPACECOM has identified sustained space maneuver and countering adversary low Earth orbit constellations as top capability gaps for future Pentagon investment.

Addressing aerial threats, retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck highlighted vulnerabilities in air base defense. He cited reports of Iranian F-5 aircraft conducting low-level bombing missions against Camp Buehring in Kuwait. VanHerck also discussed previous drone incursions over Langley Air Force Base, noting that such threats were anticipated by NORAD and NORTHCOM leadership but that the military was not fully prepared to defend against them at the time.