The United States has accused China of advancing its space warfare capabilities after observing Chinese satellites executing “dogfight” manoeuvers in low Earth orbit. General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the US, revealed these concerns during the McAleese Defense Programs Conference in Washington. He emphasised that China's space technology is rapidly evolving, potentially posing a serious challenge to US dominance in space.

China’s Tactical Space Maneuvers in 2024

General Guetlein disclosed that in 2024, US commercial and military tracking systems observed five Chinese satellites performing synchronised movements, resembling aerial combat techniques, commonly referred to as “dogfighting.” These satellites engaged in complex tactics, techniques, and procedures that demonstrated their ability to conduct on-orbit space operations.

“With our commercial assets, we have observed five different objects in space manoeuvring in and out and around each other in synchronicity and in control. That’s what we call dogfighting in space. They are practising tactics, techniques, and procedures to do on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another,” Guetlein stated.

China’s Expanding Space Capabilities

The Chinese satellites involved in these maneuvers included three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two Shijian-605A and B spacecraft, according to a US military spokesperson. These satellites not only manoeuvered close to one another but also appeared to conduct inspections and proximity operations, indicating a high level of technical sophistication.

The development underscores China’s ambition to strengthen its military capabilities in space. In recent years, Beijing has launched numerous defence satellites, aiming to enhance its ability to counter threats from adversaries. The latest manoeuvres indicate that China is investing in technologies that could be used for space-based surveillance, intelligence gathering, and potentially even offensive operations.

Global Competition in Space Warfare

China is not alone in its space defence efforts. The US, Russia, and India have also been deploying a variety of defence satellites to monitor and counteract threats from rival nations. Guetlein warned that both China and Russia are nearing technological parity with the US in space operations. He recalled a 2019 incident when a Russian satellite deployed a smaller spacecraft to monitor and spy on an American satellite, further demonstrating the growing threats in space.

“That capability gap used to be massive. We’ve got to change the way we look at space or that capability gap may reverse and not be in our favor anymore,” Guetlein cautioned.

Russia’s Nuclear Anti-Satellite Development

Alongside China’s advancements, Russia is reportedly working on a nuclear anti-satellite weapon that US intelligence believes could be operational within a few years. Such a weapon would pose a significant threat to global satellite infrastructure, raising concerns over the potential for space-based conflicts in the near future.

The revelations by General Guetlein highlight the growing militarisation of space, with China and Russia rapidly closing the technological gap with the United States. The recent “dogfight” manoeuvers conducted by Chinese satellites indicate a shift towards more aggressive space strategies, increasing concerns over potential confrontations in orbit. As global space competition intensifies, the US may need to reassess its defence strategies to maintain its dominance and safeguard its space assets.