Saltzman Urges Combat-Credible Space Force Against China, Russia Satellite Threats
Updated
Updated · SpaceNews · Jul 16
Saltzman Urges Combat-Credible Space Force Against China, Russia Satellite Threats
3 articles · Updated · SpaceNews · Jul 16
Summary
Gen. Chance Saltzman used his final public address to argue the best way to deter a space war is to field forces able to fight and prevail in orbit, not rely on declarations alone.
China and Russia are developing systems that can jam, disable or destroy satellites, he said, making it unsafe to assume U.S. communications, navigation and missile-warning spacecraft will operate without interference.
That threat has pushed the Space Force toward "space control" — protecting U.S. and allied access to orbit while retaining options to disrupt enemy space systems without creating dangerous debris.
Saltzman also pressed allies to train and integrate more closely because satellites cross national boundaries, while warning that interoperability, classified information sharing and faster procurement are persistent problems to manage, not permanently solve.
Retiring next month after 35 years, Saltzman leaves a larger, better-funded service to his nominated successor, Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, with a call for stable funding, long-term planning and nonpartisan military leadership.