Iran Is Becoming an 'Emerging' Space Power Despite US Strikes, Pentagon Report Says
Despite US strikes on Iran's key space-related facilities, the country is becoming an 'emerging' space power, according to a report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). According to the Pentagon report, Iran is reaching a position from which it can challenge American military activity in the Middle East.
The report says that during 'Operation Epic Fury', Iran used ground-based jamming systems to disrupt satellite-based GPS signals. In the DIA's account, this was an offensive step by Iran against US space capability.
The DIA also said Tehran is expanding both its military and civilian space programmes with the aims of strengthening military capability, economic development and national prestige.
According to data from the American Enterprise Institute, Iran currently has about a dozen active satellites. The report's information also says Iran has reportedly received satellite assistance from China and Russia to increase its intelligence-gathering and targeting capability.
Brigadier General Todd Benson, commander of Space Forces Central, said in a webinar class last month that space has now become accessible and affordable.
Although the United States has claimed to have achieved 'space superiority' over Iran, many US defence experts have questioned that claim. Todd Harrison, an aerospace expert at the American Enterprise Institute, said that if Iran can weaken US space capability, then the United States does not hold superiority over them.
The DIA report further said Iran is working to strengthen protective measures to keep its navigation and guidance systems safe from electronic attacks.
