US says for 1st time it now has weapons in space. What we know (so far)

The U.S. has confirmed in a landmark revelation that the nation has deployed operational weapons in space.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink became the first U.S. official to publicly acknowledge the orbital defense capability in what is widely being interpreted as a clear message of deterrence to both China and Russia.

“Today, we continue to ensure we remain ready to meet the challenges of evolving threats wherever they exist,” Meink said Monday, Sept. 14, in prepared remarks at the annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference. “This is why the United States now has on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the joint force against hostile adversary action.”

The comments come as President Donald Trump has made clear that U.S. superiority in space is one of his top priorities for the United States.

Here's what we know so far about the weapons the U.S. has in orbit.

Meink's announcement came during an annual gathering hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association in National Harbor, Maryland, according to a press release from the Air Force.

While Meink did not provide specifics on the weapons or when they were deployed to orbit, the news alone marked a significant moment amid a time…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/