Trump breaks space-weapons taboo: US confirms arms in orbit as Putin space-nuke fears grow?

The U.S. has reportedly acknowledged that weapons are already deployed in orbit, marking a major shift in Washington’s previously ambiguous approach to offensive space capabilities. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink reportedly confirmed the disclosure on September 14, saying the orbital weapons support the U.S. Space Force’s space-control mission. The development comes amid growing U.S.-China-Russia competition in space, while the 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in orbit but does not prohibit conventional weapons.