U.S. Deploys On-Orbit Weapons Inspired by Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ Program

In a first public acknowledgment, U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said America has placed combat-ready weapons in space, echoing the Strategic Defense Initiative launched by President Ronald Reagan. The disclosed arsenal reportedly features ultra-fast kinetic “smart rocks,” laser and electromagnetic rail guns, and satellite-controlled interceptors capable of destroying missiles or hostile satellites. The Pentagon cites growing threats from Russia’s anti-satellite nuclear-pulse concepts and China’s recent orbital maneuvers involving micro-satellites and “space planes.”

RAND analyst Robert Scheder, who helped design SDI, explained that advances in miniaturization and commercial launch providers like SpaceX have cut projected costs to roughly one-fifth of original estimates. Former SDI director James Abrahamson confirmed the lower price tag, while former officials warn the deployment may accelerate a space weapons race, prompting protests from the Chinese foreign ministry and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The United States asserts the capability is defensive, aimed at protecting its satellite infrastructure and joint forces.