The Space Force has been intensifying its discourse regarding the necessity of weaponry in space—and on Thursday, it released a framework.
intended to offer a “combat operations” perspective
For planners, operators, and weapon purchasers regarding how the service perceives the application of military force within a realm historically considered harmless.
The release of the Space Warfighting Framework comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stresses the need for the U.S. military to adopt a stronger
“warfighting mentality”
and as the service prepares to argue its case for
a greater portion of financial support
during the 2026 fiscal budget cycle.
Officials from the Space Force state that although this document aligns with the messages coming out of the Pentagon and bolsters their argument for additional funding, publishing the framework is simply a component of the normal progression for the service since it was founded five years ago.
Lieutenant General Shawn Bratton, who serves as the deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, and requirements, informed journalists on Wednesday that during its initial years, the organization focused on establishing its foundational framework. In more recent times, their efforts have transitioned towards developing comprehensive strategies, doctrines, and standardized procedures to direct both present activities and upcoming missions.
“This space warfighting document is sort of in the vein of the natural maturing of the Space Force,” Bratton said in a briefing at the Pentagon. “This document is very specific to our core function of space control and how we think about warfighting in space.”
Over the years, the terminology used by the Defense Department to address conflicts in space has evolved. For many years, authorities employed phrases such as “congested” and “contested” to highlight escalating dangers within this realm, with “protect and defend” serving loosely as an indication of America’s intended response to these issues.
The Space Force’s capability to
speak more openly and distinctly
over the past several years and in recent months, its strategy for warfare has undergone changes as officials
have emphasized the importance of space weaponry
To stay competitive with Russia and China, Bratton mentioned that the publication of the warfighting framework signifies this shift.
He stated that we have grown and reached a point where we feel at ease acknowledging that this constitutes a domain for warfare.
The main purpose of this framework is to establish definitions for important terminology and ideas. This ensures that both the organization’s internal team shares a unified vocabulary and external collaborators grasp how the Space Force approaches securing supremacy in space.
The document offers an extensive catalog of both defensive and offensive maneuvers in space operations. Under the defensive heading, it encompasses strategies such as counterattacks, escorts, enhancing mobility, dispersal, and establishing redundancies—both proactive and reactive measures that the force might employ to safeguard itself from hostile acts or retaliations.
The list of hostile actions encompasses electromagnetic and cyber attacks as well as assaults aimed at disrupting space-related infrastructure across various sectors. This might include launch systems or other terrestrial network installations.
The document emphasizes that coordination among the combined forces is essential since operatives in every domain now depend more heavily on space assets to carry out their tasks.
The document explains, “Space operations not only span globally but also encompass multiple domains.” It further clarifies, “An effective assault on either the terrestrial, link, or orbital section could cripple a space capability. Consequently, gaining access to, operating within, and utilizing the space domain necessitate carefully coordinated offensive and defensive actions across every sector.”
The framework outlines goals which encompass terrestrial networks, communications systems, and data links that facilitate moving information along with orbital assets such as satellites. It specifies factors that personnel must take into account when strategizing their actions, and it explains how priorities are set and targets are engaged throughout this process.
Bratton emphasized that the document does not indicate a shift in policy or alterations to the guidelines for using weaponry in space. Instead, it clarifies the current procedures as they pertain to space operations.
This definition is purposely wide-ranging and outlines abilities the division might lack currently but potentially acquire down the line.
He stated that this isn’t meant to suggest we’ve developed all these technologies or armaments, but it does aim to initiate a conversation about what’s necessary for us to be competitive and victorious in space, particularly during conflicts.
