China developing space 'dogfighting' tactics, US warns

A US general has raised concerns about China's advancements in space tactics. General Michael Guetlein, the vice chief of space operations for the US Space Force, spoke on Tuesday at a defense conference. He noted that Chinese satellites have been involved in "dogfighting" maneuvers, which resemble combat between fighter jets. Guetlein explained that his team has observed five objects in space performing coordinated movements. These maneuvers, described as "dogfighting," indicate that China is practicing satellite-to-satellite operations. He highlighted that the US has seen three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two Shijian-6 objects conducting these activities in low Earth orbit. The term "dogfighting" in space is still being defined, as traditional air combat relies on atmospheric conditions. In space, satellites depend on thrusters for movement. General Guetlein also mentioned other threats from space, including satellites designed to launch anti-satellite weapons and those capable of physically controlling or "holding hostage" other satellites. He expressed concern over Russia developing a nuclear weapon for space and noted that current adversaries are abandoning international norms. Guetlein emphasized that the US must adapt its strategies, as its competitors have recently improved their capabilities. The US Space Force was established in 2019 and became a separate military branch in 2020, with a focus on maintaining dominance in space.