U.S. Space Force chief Douglas Schiess confirmed the operation of "on-orbit weapons" to defend against space-enabled attacks. He pledged responsible development of America's orbital defense capabilities. This revelation follows prior warnings that countries like Russia might be weaponizing space, a frontier previously intended for peaceful use. The Trump administration has prioritized space, establishing the Space Force and planning a missile defense system with space-based weapons. This system, potentially operational by 2029, aims to intercept missiles launched from space. A proposed U.S.-Japanese UN resolution to ban weapons of mass destruction in space was vetoed by Russia, which argued for a complete, all-time ban on all weapons in space. Russia criticized the U.S. move, warning of catastrophic consequences for humanity in an orbital conflict. U.S. officials view these space-based capabilities as crucial for deterrence and readiness. The U.S. government's openness about space aggression signals a shift in discourse, moving from discussing counter-space capabilities to outright acknowledging weapons in space. The U.S. emphasizes its need for space for its economy and military forces.