U.S. military officials met with representatives from nine allied nations at the new French Space Command Headquarters to discuss the Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Initiative. The CSpO brings together Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States to coordinate space operations and strategy.
The U.S. delegation was led by Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force; Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander of U.S. Space Command and Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender; and Robert Brose, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Space and Missile Defense currently serving as Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Space Policy.
The officials emphasized their commitment to defending U.S. interests in space and strengthening partnerships within the CSpO alliance.
"Our opponents are moving at jaw-dropping speed, and we must match that pace with integrated coalition capabilities that deter aggression and defend our interests," said Whiting.
Reflecting on guidance from Secretary Hegseth about restoring a warfighting ethos, the U.S. delegation encouraged the CSpO Initiative to focus on practical steps to enhance coalition space power amid rising threats. This includes updating policies based on current challenges and increasing operational cooperation among member nations.
"We are building a coalition capable of addressing the challenges of a contested space environment," Saltzman stated. "To be effective, we must collaborate on our architectures, integrate our training, exercises, and operations, and build a common understanding of the threats we face."
The U.S. outlined risks related to commercial access to space and concerns about orbital debris or weapons in orbit threatening both American and allied interests.
"Just as our military defends our freedom, rights, and interests on earth, the military of the United States of America will protect and defend our freedom, rights, and interests in space," Brose said.
All ten nations renewed their commitment to responsible behavior in space operations while pledging to challenge those who act otherwise. The ongoing evolution of CSpO will focus on ensuring readiness among coalition forces to deter conflict and maintain security in space.
