U.S. Space Force defines path to space superiority in first Warfighting framework

Published April 17, 2025
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The Space Force released its Space Warfighting framework today, outlining the service's vision for achieving and maintaining space superiority while ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of the space domain.

A satellite hovers over the Earth. — The Space Force releases its Space Warfighting framework, April 17, 2025, outlining the service's vision for achieving and maintaining space superiority while ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of the space domain. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

This landmark document underscores the critical importance of space superiority as a joint force priority, recognizing it as an essential element for the success of military operations across all domains.

“It is the formative purpose of the Space Force to achieve space superiority—to ensure freedom of movement in space for our forces while denying the same to our adversaries,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “We must be prepared to employ capabilities for offensive and defensive purposes to deter and, if necessary, defeat aggressors that threaten our vital national interests.”

The framework establishes a common lexicon for counterspace operations, detailing a range of responsible offensive and defensive actions Guardians may employ to maintain control of space and ensure the success of the Joint Force.

Counterspace operations will be executed across three primary mission areas: orbital warfare, electromagnetic warfare and cyberspace warfare. At the direction of combatant commanders, Guardians may conduct counterspace operations including terrestrial strike, orbital strike, space link interdiction and active and passive space defense.

“This document builds on the Military Space Operations terms of reference and Space Force Doctrine Document 1 to increase U.S. lethality and deter would-be aggressors in space,” said Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements. “We developed Space Warfighting to expand on the tenets of Competitive Endurance and the Space Force Truths. With Space Warfighting, we establish the counterspace framework necessary for Guardians to achieve space superiority, a precondition for Joint Force success.”

Space Warfighting marks a significant step forward in solidifying the Space Force as a warfighting service and integral part of the Joint and Combined Force, highlighting the essential role of space superiority for national security.