The United States began to think about creating defensive weapons in space due to the actions of Russia and China. This was stated by the head of the Pentagon, Mark Esper, at a videoconference organized by the Washington Atlantic Council. His words are quoted by Interfax.
“China and Russia have militarized space. They placed weapons there. So we need to build defensive systems, ”Esper said.
He added that this is necessary, among other things, to protect non-military vehicles in orbit. According to him, the US Army should strengthen “the capabilities of its navy, as well as capabilities in cyberspace.”
Earlier, US President Donald Trump spoke about the modernization of the country's nuclear weapons to an “unprecedented level.” According to the head of state, other countries are not even close to reaching such heights in the development of nuclear weapons as the United States.
In September, Esper named Russia and China as the United States' top strategic rivals. According to him, both states are modernizing their armed forces, as well as expanding their capabilities in space and cyberspace.
