Five Chinese Satellites Conduct ‘Dogfighting’ Drills in Space, Raising U.S. Concerns

U.S. Space Force officials have revealed that China has been conducting advanced satellite maneuvers in space, simulating high-intensity "dogfighting" drills. The exercises, observed in low-Earth orbit, involved five Chinese satellites performing synchronized movements, an indication of Beijing’s growing focus on space-based military capabilities.

General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, discussed the development at a defense conference in Virginia. He noted that three Shiyan-24C satellites and two Shijian-6 05A/B experimental satellites were seen executing coordinated maneuvers, demonstrating advanced orbital combat techniques.

“There are five different objects in space maneuvering in and out around each other, in synchronicity and in control,” a U.S. Space Force spokesperson stated. “That’s what we call dogfighting in space. They are practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures to conduct on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another.”

Experts believe these drills are part of China’s broader strategy to develop space capabilities that could potentially threaten U.S. and allied assets in orbit. The use of synchronized rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) suggests China is enhancing its ability to approach, dock with, or disrupt other spacecraft with precision.

While RPO itself is not new, the ability to coordinate multiple satellites in such a manner is a significant advancement. Analysts warn that this could narrow the technological gap between China and the U.S. in space operations, potentially shifting the balance of power.

“The environment has completely changed,” Guetlein noted. “There used to be a capability gap between us and our near peers. That gap is significantly narrowing, and we must rethink our approach to space to prevent it from reversing.”

The revelation of these space combat drills underscores the growing militarization of outer space, with major powers like the U.S. and China racing to secure dominance in this increasingly contested domain.