The U.S. military is preparing for a new era of warfare that could extend beyond Earth’s orbit and toward the Moon, according to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Pentagon Highlights Future Space Warfare

Gen. Dan Caine said Wednesday that U.S. forces need to be prepared to operate and potentially fight across a wider area of space, including cislunar space — the region between Earth and the Moon.

Caine made the remarks at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference in Maryland, highlighting the growing importance of space to U.S. national security.

Space Force Expands Its Mission

The development comes as the U.S. Space Force prepares for significant growth. Officials said the service is planning to increase its size to approximately 25,000 personnel over the next five years while strengthening its ability to operate in space.

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink also recently disclosed that the United States has deployed space-based weapons for the first time, adding a new dimension to the country's military capabilities.

China and Space Security

U.S. officials say increasing activity in space, particularly from China, is driving the need for greater military preparedness.

Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon said U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that potential adversaries are seeking to expand military operations into space. China has said it supports the peaceful use of outer space and criticized the militarization of the domain.

The developments are likely to intensify discussion over space warfare, U.S. national security, military technology and the future role of the Space Force.