The Defense Department wants to understand the “purpose and intent and capability” of objects in space, not just how many objects there are, said USAF Lt. Gen. Kevin Chilton, space and global strike component commander for US Strategic Command. Chilton told lawmakers that military space had a “good capability of being able to count the dots up there” but lacked capability to “divine intent.” To be able to determine purpose, said Chilton, DOD must increase its surveillance capability.
Flying and fixing aircraft remains the Air Force’s reason for being, but protecting air bases from attack is becoming an essential component that makes those possible. Following attacks on air bases across the Middle East during Operation Epic Fury, point defense was among the hottest topics on tap at AFA’s…