Wed Feb 25 04:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Space Force’s Crucial Role in Recent Military Operations Spurs Call for Increased Resources

The Story:
In an exclusive interview with DefenseScoop, Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, commander of the Space Force’s Combat Forces Command, revealed the critical support provided by Space Force guardians during Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025 (Iran) and Operation Absolute Resolve in January 2026 (Venezuela). These operations, touted by the Pentagon as demonstrations of U.S. power projection, heavily relied on space-based capabilities to ensure their success. Gagnon emphasized that the Space Force’s contributions, though often “behind the scenes,” are indispensable for modern military operations.

Gagnon warned that future conflicts against near-peer adversaries, such as China, would require a more robust and better-resourced Space Force. He highlighted China’s significant advantage in personnel and its growing arsenal of space-based weapons, necessitating upgrades in U.S. space systems, sensor networks, and orbital warfare capabilities. The Space Force is actively expanding in size and capabilities to meet these challenges, but faces a significant resource gap.

Key Points:

  • Space Force guardians provided critical support during Operation Midnight Hammer (Iran) and Operation Absolute Resolve (Venezuela).
  • Support included satellite communications, position, timing, and navigation (PNT) data, and missile launch detection.
  • Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, highlighted Spacecom’s role in providing non-kinetic effects during Operation Absolute Resolve.
  • Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon warned that the U.S. cannot take space superiority for granted, especially against near-peer adversaries like China.
  • China’s People’s Liberation Army Aerospace Force has approximately 40,000 personnel, compared to the U.S. Space Force’s 15,000.
  • The Space Force is upgrading its sensor networks, developing new systems like the Deep-space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), and modernizing the Space Surveillance Network (SSN).
  • The Space Force launched the seventh and eighth satellites in the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) constellation on February 12.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of multiple articles on the same day concerning the Space Force reveals a coordinated effort to emphasize the importance of space-based assets in modern warfare and to advocate for increased resources for the Space Force. The article regarding the upgrade of long-range kill chains suggests a proactive approach to maintaining a strategic advantage. The article on accelerating the path from lab tools to operations after the high-profile raids indicates that the Space Force is attempting to become more agile and responsive to emerging threats.

Key Takeaways:

  • Space-based assets are vital for U.S. military power projection, as demonstrated in recent operations.
  • The Space Force faces a significant challenge from China, which has a larger and rapidly advancing space program.
  • The Space Force needs increased resources, personnel, and advanced capabilities to maintain its competitive edge.
  • The Space Force is actively working to upgrade its systems and prepare for potential conflicts in space.
  • There is a coordinated effort to highlight the Space Force’s importance and advocate for increased resources.

Impact Analysis:
The increased emphasis on the Space Force’s role and the call for additional resources signals a potential shift in U.S. defense strategy. This shift could lead to increased investment in space-based capabilities, potentially triggering a new arms race in space. The focus on near-peer adversaries like China suggests that the U.S. anticipates future conflicts will increasingly involve space-based warfare. This will likely impact future military budgets, technological development, and international relations regarding space

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