The United States Space Force (USSF) has raised concerns over China’s recent satellite activities in low Earth orbit, describing them as “dogfighting” maneuvers that could indicate advancements in space-based military operations.
According to General Michael A. Guetlein, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for the USSF, a group of five Chinese satellites and space objects conducted a series of synchronized maneuvers throughout 2024. These activities, observed by commercial monitoring systems, involved controlled movements around each other, suggesting coordinated orbital tactics.
“With our commercial partners, we have observed five distinct objects maneuvering in close proximity in a controlled and synchronized manner,” General Guetlein stated at the McAleese Defense Programs Conference in Washington. “This is what we refer to as ‘dogfighting’ in space. They are practicing techniques and procedures for on-orbit operations, potentially for military applications.”
Space Warfare: A Growing Reality
Unlike traditional aerial combat, space-based maneuvering is governed by orbital mechanics, where even small adjustments can take days or weeks to execute. However, China’s ability to conduct synchronized satellite movements demonstrates significant progress in space warfare tactics.
The USSF later confirmed that the maneuvers involved three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two Shijian-6 05A/B satellites. These proximity operations, observed in low Earth orbit, indicate China’s expanding capabilities in military space operations.
General Guetlein warned that the technological gap between the U.S. and its adversaries has narrowed. “Once, there was a significant lead in space capabilities, but that advantage is rapidly shrinking. If we fail to adapt, we risk falling behind,” he cautioned.
Calls for Greater Investment in Space Defense
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on March 12, 2025, Guetlein emphasized the urgent need for increased funding and resources for the Space Force. Despite its crucial role in national security, the USSF operates with only 15,000 personnel and receives just 3.5% of the Department of Defense’s budget.
He highlighted growing threats, including satellite communications disruptions, GPS jamming, and the development of anti-satellite weaponry by adversaries. “The choices we make now will determine whether space remains a domain of peace or becomes a contested battlefield,” Guetlein stated.
China’s Expanding Space Capabilities
China has long been viewed as a key competitor in space, particularly due to its exclusion from international collaborations over espionage concerns. A 2021 U.S. intelligence report warned that China was actively developing counter-space weapons capable of targeting American and allied satellites.
“Beijing is working to match or surpass U.S. space capabilities to gain military, economic, and strategic advantages,” the report noted. “China’s counter-space capabilities will be integral to future military operations.”
As global powers intensify their focus on space security, the once-peaceful domain of outer space is rapidly evolving into a new theater of strategic competition. The United States and its allies now face increasing pressure to safeguard their assets in orbit while adapting to the growing militarization of space.