The United States has begun sharing highly classified intelligence regarding Chinese and Russian space operations with its "Five Eyes" allies – the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. This move, described by the US military as a landmark decision, comes amid growing concerns about the militarization of space, particularly by China.
Previously, this intelligence, managed by Space Delta 9, a division of the U.S. Space Force focused on orbital warfare, was strictly limited to U.S. personnel with top-level security clearances. Now, these allies will have access to sensitive data and insights into the activities of Chinese and Russian satellites.
Air Marshal Johnny Stringer, the UK's Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Air Command, recently received briefings on a U.S. program that tracks other nations' satellites. The U.S. is particularly concerned about the dual-purpose nature of some satellites, which may be disguised as civilian communications platforms but are, in reality, performing military functions. Colonel Ramsey Horn, commander of Space Delta 9, stated the U.S. must be prepared for potential conflict in space, emphasizing the capability to defeat adversaries. This intelligence sharing aims to strengthen cooperation and mutual assistance among allies to address vulnerabilities and counter threats in space.