Issue 143

11 Report Summary · Counterspace

2026 SWF: Global Counterspace Capabilities Report Summary

Author Greg Gillinger Published April 20, 2026

By Dr. Larissa Beavers

8 April 2026: The 2026 Secure World Foundation Global Counterspace Capabilities Report assesses the continued expansion of counterspace capabilities across 13 countries and highlights the increasing integration of space into military operations. While many nations are advancing a wide range of counterspace technologies—including co-orbital, cyber, and electronic warfare—only non-destructive capabilities are currently being employed in active conflicts. The report emphasizes a shift toward persistent, on-orbit capabilities and dynamic space operations, particularly among major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia. It also underscores growing risks to space security, including cyber vulnerabilities, increased electronic warfare activity, and the long-term impact of space debris.

Summary of Major Highlights from the SWF 2026 Global Counterspace Capabilities Report:

Expansion to 13 countries actively developing counterspace capabilities, with most operational use in conflicts limited to non-destructive methods (EW, cyber)
Increased global interest in co-orbital systems, including “bodyguard” satellites and spaceplanes, alongside continued RPO activity (U.S., UK, France, Russia)
China’s advancements include a possible new DA-ASAT interceptor and a sustained on-orbit refueling experiment in 2025, indicating longer-duration space operations
Russia demonstrated continued RPO operations and GEO maneuver activity, highlighted by the conclusion of the Luch satellite mission across the GEO belt
Significant rise in electronic warfare activity, including extensive jamming in Iran and reported spoofing of Starlink signals
Cyber counterspace threats expanded, including breaches of ESA systems, unencrypted GEO satellite comms, and cyber operations observed in the Russia–Ukraine conflict
Growing interest in non-destructive directed energy (laser) capabilities by France and Germany as alternatives to kinetic ASAT systems
Policy and doctrinal shifts, including Japan releasing space defense guidelines and North Korea formally enabling military use of space
Updated debris tracking shows 6,904 cataloged debris pieces from ASAT testing (U.S., Russia, China, India), with 2,773 still on-orbit, reinforcing long-term sustainability concerns