New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- The U.S. acknowledgment this week that the Pentagon is operating weapons in Earth's orbit marks a landmark moment in space militarization. U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the on orbit weapon was necessary to safeguard US forces against hostile enemy action.

Speaking at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Monday, Meink said the US was ready for evolving threats but did not elaborate on the weapon's capabilities or when it was put into orbit. The announcement marked a new stage in the major powers' rush for military space capabilities, driven by rapid technological advancements but lacking a comprehensive legal framework. Russia said it must be free from any weapons after the United States confirme...