According to a report by the US Defence Intelligence Agency (IDA), both China and Russia would very actively develop weapon systems aimed at temporarily or permanently neutralizing enemy satellites.
Chinese and Russian military doctrines indicate that they view space as important to modern warfare and view counter space capabilities as a means to reduce U.S. and allied military effectiveness. Both reorganized their militaries in 2015, emphasizing the importance of space operations.
Both have developed robust and capable space services, including space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Moreover, they are making improvements to existing systems, including space launch vehicles and satellite navigation constellations. These capabilities provide their militaries with the ability to command and control their forces worldwide and also with enhanced situational awareness, enabling them to monitor, track, and target U.S. and allied forces.
Thus, China would develop a laser system capable of neutralizing a satellite in low Earth orbit, available by next year, and a geostationary satellite by 2025. It is also actively working on space repair solutions for damaged satellites. According to the report, China now has about 90 military satellites in orbit. It also continues several anti-satellite programs capable of reaching targets at all altitudes.
Russia already has a solution to neutralize the detectors of a satellite, with the Perevest system. It is also working on the development of satellites capable of neutralizing an opposing satellite. Russia now has about a hundred military satellites in orbit. It is also pursuing an anti-satellite missile program.
