At the recent Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Space Force Chief of
Space Operations, General Chance Sultzman, foreshadowed the soon to be
unveiled International Partnership Strategy. Once implemented, the US will
aim to unify its allies in the space domain for warfare capabilities. An
underlying tone of the speech was the apparent threats facing the...
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#^Space Force To Unveil New International Space Partnership StrategyAt the recent Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Space Force Chief of Space Operations, General Chance Sultzman, foreshadowed the soon to be unveiled International Partnership Strategy. Once implemented, the US will aim to unify its allies in the space domain for warfare capabilities.
An underlying tone of the speech was the apparent threats facing the US, with Sultzman calling space: “the central nervous system of joint… operations”. “Space superiority is now a prerequisite for battlefield success. Regardless of whether or not you believe space superiority will win the next war, it must be recognised that we will most certainly lose without it,” Saltzman added.
What Is Space Force’s International Partnership Strategy?
During his keynote speech, Sultzman outlined that the US and its allies are facing imminent security threats. Space being one of the ‘battlefields’ according to Sultzman. As a result, Space Force has been working in the shadows to develop an International Partnership Strategy.
Their aim is to combat the “critical evolution” in space-based warfare assets and advancements in technology. Sultzman affirmed that the
strategy will act as a roadmap for “[a] seamless multinational space coalition,” who are tasked with:
- Partner empowerment
- Augmented inoperability
- Integrated ally capabilities
Another aspect of Sultzman’s speech was the need to safeguard the US’ “strategic vulnerabilities”. Meaning, the US has air and maritime coordination that depends on satellite support, which could be considered a target. As a result, Sultzman said “space capabilities are integral to global military operations”.
How The International Partnership Strategy Will Be Implemented
Under Sultzman’s upcoming strategy, there will be three main pillars. The first being, using “partner strength” to the group’s advantage. The second pillar is greater data capturing and system operations. Finally, the third pillar is “service-level force development across allied nations.” What these three areas of the strategy mean for the global space landscape is unclear. However, we can assume that each point will be detailed once the strategy – in its totality – is released. What is known is that the strategy will underpin the Department of Defence’s international and commercial space initiatives, something that Space Force is also part of.
Will The Geopolitical Landscape Impact Space Force’s Efforts?
Since Trump’s inauguration the global landscape has been polarising to say the least. Geopolitical tensions are on the rise. Trump’s rolling reciprocal tariffs that he recently unveiled – and subsequently paused – did see global leaders hit out in dismay. Additionally, the European Union and Canada’s retaliation tariffs has demonstrated that some of the US’ closest relationships may be deteriorating.
Equally, the threat of a trade war between China and the US, with both nations continuing to increase the tariffs placed on one another, is becoming more of a reality daily. With all this tension, will an International Partnership Strategy actually work?
Federal efficiency probes could also stagnate
Space Force’s plans due to budget and personal cuts.
The US sits in a precarious position with its allies, so will the economic impact of Trump’s orders put a strain on nations wanting to work with the Space Force? This is yet to be seen, but geopolitics may see the DoD’s space arm face difficulties onboarding international partners.
What Else Did Sultzman Allude To?
To bolster Space Force’s ongoing plans to augment their international partnerships, Sultzman said they’re developing the Objective Force. This “ever-evolving document” will provide more transparency and opportunities for investment prioritisation, as well as the operating landscape.
Saltzman outlined: “The real power is in sharing it broadly. It will shape national investment, inform research and development, and provide a starting point for collaboration and innovation.” Another element of his speech was expediting the declassification process of space intelligence and documentation. Saltzman said this would ameliorate coordination efforts between partners. In addition, Sultzman aims to welcome partners in their “design processes and exercises.”
Sultzman concluded: “The success of the Space Force will depend not just on technological edge but on collective resolve.”
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