By Jim Morris, Warrior Vice President, News
The Defense Department is reemphasizing the need for the US to boost spending in order to keep its edge over Russia and China in space warfare.
On Tuesday, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space and missile defense, John Hill, testified about the DOD’s budget request before a Senate Armed Services subcommittee. Also testifying was General Michael Guetlein, the vice chief of space operations for the Space Force.
“Repeated actions by both the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China underscore the urgency for action, “ Guetlein said. “Although we still maintain control of space over our competitors, they are still working hard to close the gap and assert their dominance in space. We cannot let this happen.”
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Hill outlined the DOD’s new commercial space integration strategy . Among other things, the strategy calls for commercial solutions to be integrated into military programs during peacetime. The goal is to make sure the military will be ready to use those solutions in a crisis.
In FY 2025, the Pentagon is asking for $33.7 billion for space programs. The request includes $4.7 billion for new missile warning and tracking programs and $4.2 billion to protect satellite communications.
Last week, the Space Force unveiled its strategic action plan for data and artificial intelligence. One of the things it calls for is stronger relationships with government, academia, industry and international partners.
