In August 2021, China conducted a test of a new weapon system that combined a fractional orbital bombardment system (FOBS) with a hypersonic glide vehicle. This development marks a significant advancement in China's military capabilities, as it allows for the delivery of payloads into low Earth orbit, which can then re-enter the atmosphere and strike targets with high precision. The integration of hypersonic technology enhances the maneuverability and speed of the weapon, making it more challenging to detect and intercept. This system's ability to stay in orbit for extended periods before de-orbiting adds a layer of unpredictability to its deployment, complicating defense strategies.
The implications of this technology are profound. The United States and its allies have expressed concerns over the potential destabilizing effects of such weapons on global security. The U.S. Space Force has highlighted the challenges posed by China's orbital hypersonic weapons, noting the difficulty in tracking and countering such systems. Additionally, the development of these weapons raises questions about the effectiveness of existing arms control agreements, as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in orbit but does not explicitly address conventional weapons. This ambiguity underscores the need for updated international agreements to address the evolving landscape of space-based military technologies.