Sweeping Changes Contine For Space Force After Unveiling Warfighting Framework 

Space Force has been particularly active over recent months with a raft of changes targeting the space warfare domain. And now, they’ve unveiled their most recent document: the Space Warfighting framework. The overall theme of the document, according to their press release, is: “the service’s vision for achieving and maintaining space superiority.” Another pillar of the document is safety in orbit, as well as greater sustainability. 

Space Force’s Chief of Space Operations, Chance Saltzman, said: “It is the formative purpose of the Space Force to achieve space superiority – to ensure freedom of movement in space for our forces while denying the same to our adversaries. We must be prepared to employ capabilities for offensive and defensive purposes to deter and, if necessary, defeat aggressors that threaten our vital national interests.”

Change at Space Force: Unpacking New Space Warfighting Framework

The U.S. hasn’t been working in the shadows when it comes to their militarisation of space. In fact, they’ve been rather overt and transparent with their plans to use space to achieve military objectives. It appears that the Space Warfighting framework is another aspect of that mission. The document, according to Space Force: “underscores the critical importance of space superiority as a joint force priority.” The U.S. Air Force’s space arm also outlined that it will be a crucial element of military operations going forward across America’s defence network. 

The framework also provides power to their personnel, otherwise known as Guardians, to deploy “offensive and defensive actions”, in a bid to conserve Space Force’s orbital authority. Chiefly, Space Force have also segmented their space-based military operations into three thematic areas. These include “orbital warfare, electromagnetic warfare and cyberspace warfare.” Via these three pillars, the U.S. Defence may instruct Space Force Guardians to conduct: “counterspace operations including terrestrial strike, orbital strike, space link interdiction and active and passive space defense.”

How The Space Warfighting Framework Fits Within The New Strategy For Space Force

Space Force’s new framework is part of a raft of changes recently embedded within the organisations. Just recently, Space Force also updated their Capstone Doctrine. This document outlines Space Force’s values, reasoning behind their operations, and their key relationships. 

Another area where they’ve pivoted their focus is in the AI space. Space Force released their Data and Artificial Intelligence FY 2025 Strategic Action Plan, which places focus on greater AI integration to underscore innovation, data capturing and analytical capabilities. 

Finally, Space Force foreshadowed their upcoming International Partnerships Strategy at the Space Symposium. Their aim is to conflate allied space capabilities and strengthen operability. When the next round of change will hit Space Force is unknown. However, it appears that Space Force’s 2025 is constantly evolving as they attempt to underpin the US’ space warfighting interest for years to come.