Security
USSF chief pushes for action to secure space dominance amid threats from Russia, China
Gen. B. Chance Saltzman called for a shift toward 'space control' -- ensuring the ability to contest and dominate the domain against potential threats.
![Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman (left) walks with Maj. Gen. David Mineau (right), Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH) commander, during a visit to AFSOUTH headquarters at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, on February 27. The trip marked Saltzman's first visit to AFSOUTH, where he received a mission brief from local Guardians on their contributions to advancing space capabilities in the US Southern Command area of responsibility. [US Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Rachel Maxwell]](/gc8/images/2025/03/20/49674-250227-f-an818-1033-370_237.webp)
By BlueShift |
The US Space Force (USSF) should aim for a more strategic and proactive approach to maintaining dominance in space as global competition from adversaries including Russia and China intensifies, according to Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman.
Speaking at the Air & Space Forces Association's Warfare Conference in Aurora, Colorado, on March 3, Saltzman emphasized the growing need for the United States to shift from a defensive posture to one that ensures control of the space domain in times of conflict.
Global positioning satellites, satellite communications and other space-based assets are essential to modern military operations, making their defense and control a top priority, he said.
With adversaries like China and Russia developing anti-satellite weapons and jamming capabilities, Saltzman stressed the urgency of adapting US strategy.
While the USSF has prioritized protecting US assets, he called for a shift toward "space control" -- ensuring the ability to contest and dominate the domain against potential threats.
"We must think of space as a warfighting domain, rather than just a collection of support activities," Saltzman stated, emphasizing that military forces must not only safeguard space infrastructure but be prepared to counter hostile actions effectively.
'Space-minded warfighters'
Saltzman offered a call to arms and urged personnel in the field to take initiative in advancing space warfare capabilities, rather than waiting for top-level directives.
"You cannot afford to wait on the headquarters to deliver better answers. I need guardians in the field to find a way," he said.
"Domain control is the special province of warfighters, a unique responsibility that only military services hold," he said.
"It is the thing that distinguishes the Navy from the Merchant Marine and the Air Force from Southwest Airlines," he said, distinguishing the USSF's mission from civilian space operations.
As the USSF continues to refine its strategy, Saltzman's message is clear: securing US dominance in space requires readiness, resilience and the ability to outmaneuver adversaries in an increasingly contested environment.
"We must be ready to contest and control our domain to overcome threats and outwit a thinking opponent to build our systems to withstand a determined adversary -- in short, to be space-minded warfighters," he concluded.