The U.S. Space Force is moving forward with a new, strategic approach aimed at ensuring its readiness for future space competition, according to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman.
In a speech on Wednesday at the Mitchell Institute Spacepower Security Forum, Saltzman outlined a comprehensive plan that focuses on long-term, proactive measures to maintain space superiority.
The strategy centers around two core pillars: defining the Future Operating Environment and designing the Objective Force. Saltzman emphasized that these initiatives would guide the Space Force’s investments and fundamentally reshape its acquisition process to ensure rapid deployment of capabilities.
“The future fight will not wait for perfect solutions,” Saltzman said, stressing the need for immediate action to field warfighting capabilities as soon as they offer a strategic benefit. He projected that the space domain in 2040 will be dominated by artificial intelligence, cyber agents, and autonomous systems capable of operating at machine speeds.
This future environment, he said, underscores the importance of preparing now to ensure continued space dominance.
Saltzman compared the need for strategic foresight to the early days of the U.S. Navy, citing how George Washington and the Third U.S. Congress adapted to emerging maritime threats. He urged the Space Force to similarly design a force that can counter future space threats effectively.
The blueprint for the Objective Force will detail the precise systems, personnel, infrastructure, and partnerships necessary for victory. Saltzman stressed that this shift in planning is crucial for breaking away from traditional, slow-moving acquisition processes and focusing on real-time mission outcomes.
Pointing to recent real-world operations, Saltzman highlighted the value of fully integrating the Space Force within the broader joint force, proving that space capabilities are vital to modern warfare.
“You have space superiority if you can use space the way you want, and the adversary cannot use space the way they want,” he concluded.
The new strategy signals a decisive move for the Space Force to proactively address future threats and ensure its relevance in a rapidly changing and contested space environment.