Are we already witnessing space warfare in action? 'This is not just posturing'

Two satellites with solar panels on either side, one with a USA flag and one with a Chinese flag, hover above Earth in this illustration.

Space-based shenanigans are increasing in Earth's orbit.

Anti-satellite technologies (ASATs) are becoming the new military "must-have" for spacefaring nations — like China, Russia, India, as well as the United States. U.S. military leaders have openly stated that the nation needs space-based weaponry "to deter a space conflict and to be successful if we end up in such a fight." The Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force stated earlier this year that the service must " harness the benefits of technological innovation and emerging capabilities if we're going to be able to out-compete our competitors."