DIA Report Warns Of Growing Space Threat From China, Russia

China and Russia are developing new technologies that could attack U.S. assets in space, according to a Defense Intelligence Agency report cited by NBC News. 

Both countries are likely to use space as a battlefield in any future conflict, says the "Challenges to Security in Space" report, which was released on Monday. 

Beijing and Moscow reorganized their militaries in 2015 to emphasize the importance of space operations, the study notes. 

China has successfully tested anti-satellite missiles and may have a laser that can take out space assets. Russia is believed to be working on directed-energy weapons, using laser or high-powered microwaves to disable or destroy space craft. 

Chinese efforts to inspect and repair satellites and clean up space debris could also function as cover to develop dual-use space capabilities, reported Bloomberg News. 

While neither country has surpassed U.S. space superiority, the DIA warned that both nations now likely view space as a combat environment like any other. The countries are also integrating weapons that could attack space into their conventional units, said defense and intelligence officials.

If an attack should occur, it could significantly hinder U.S. forces, which are increasingly reliant on space-based technology, including global positioning systems, communications and reconnaissance satellites.