Space Chiefs forum reinforces international partnerships

Published April 16, 2025
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) -- Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna hosted military space leaders from 18 other countries at the annual Space Chiefs Forum on April 10. The event is part of ongoing Space Force efforts to foster multinational collaboration that builds enduring operational advantages.

First held in 2021, the forum is a key opportunity for global partners to collectively assess the space security environment, evaluate new cooperative concepts and discuss steps that can be taken together to maintain the safety, stability and long-term sustainability of the domain.

This year’s iteration explored ways to increase cooperation across a range of mission areas and featured a series of briefings and discussions led by U.S. and partner nation representatives. Topics included the space security environment, force design, multilateral cooperation and the U.S. Space Force’s pending international partnership strategy.

“You have to train like you fight, and we must be prepared to operate as a coalition when a crisis emerges,” Saltzman said. “That’s why it’s important we develop integrated capabilities, conduct combined training and exercises and unify around a common operational picture.”

Bentivegna hosted international senior enlisted leaders during the Space Chiefs Forum to discuss what the U.S. Space Force is doing to advance space control. Topics of discussion included Space Force training, exercises, education and enlisted operations for the Joint Force.

“Strategic deterrence remains a top priority mission for Department of Defense and our nation, and that mission wouldn’t be possible without a strong enlisted force,” Bentivegna said. “The work our Guardians are doing today is setting the standard for future space operations.”

Partner nations and organizations in attendance included: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, NATO, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

“Make no mistake, America first does not mean America alone,” Saltzman said. “Particularly in space, partnerships are vital to our ability to compete with and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries in the domain. It’s these kinds of interactions that enable our shared advantage and enhance our ability to respond to the threats we all face.”

In addition to Saltzman and Bentivegna, participants from the U.S. included: Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, assistant chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships; Lt. Gen. David Miller, commander, Space Operations Command; Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, commander, U.S. Space Forces – Space; Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements; Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, commander, Space Training and Readiness Command; Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, deputy chief of Space Operations for Intelligence; Maj. Gen. Devin Pepper, deputy chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Policy at NATO Supreme Allied Command Transformation; Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific; Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton, commander, U.S. Space Forces Europe and Space Forces Africa; and Deanna Ryals, acting director of Space International Affairs for the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs.