The United States has deployed weapons in space and will use them to defend American forces, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said Monday – the first public acknowledgment of such capabilities in orbit and a deliberate signal to those that pose potential threats in the domain.

“Today we continue to ensure we remain ready to meet the challenges of evolving threats wherever they exist,” Meink told the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, an annual gathering hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association in National Harbor, Maryland. “This is why the United States now has on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending the joint force against hostile adversary action.”

Meink did not provide specifics on the weapons and, when asked to expand, refused to provide additional details. It’s unknown when the weapons were put into orbit.

President Donald Trump has touted the US Space Force, which he created in 2019 as part of the Air Force, as a historic step toward bolstering US defense capabilities amid an advancing arms race in which China and Russia have challenged America’s space dominance.

“China develops and operates space and counterspace capabilities as part of a military modernization strategy,” the US Space Force says on its website, while “Russia views space as a warfighting domain and believes space supremacy will be a decisive factor in future conflicts.” 

US military officials have repeatedly warned the two countries are testing new offensive space capabilities, citing examples such as Russian satellite constellation training missions that Washington says could demonstrate “attack and defend tactics” for future combat and China’s development of a nuclear capable partial-orbit hypersonic missile.

As CNN reported in 2024, US intelligence suggests Russia has also made efforts to develop a space-based nuclear weapon that would use a massive energy wave, known as an electromagnetic pulse, to potentially knock out a large swath of commercial and government satellites – a claim Moscow has denied.

Such a weapon could have broad, devastating impacts – for example, upending satellites the world relies on to predict the weather and respond to disasters, or even potentially affecting global navigation systems used for everything from banking and cargo shipping to hailing a ride share and ambulance dispatch.

“It is critically important that we maintain our dominance not only in the air but in space, and so we’ve had to take steps to make sure that when we’re threatened, we can take care of that,” Meink said Monday. 

CNN has reached out to the Space Force for comment.

While the 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction in orbit, it does not prohibit the use of conventional weapons in space or the use of ground-based weapons against assets in space – leaving room for interpretation.

Last December, Trump signed an executive order calling US superiority in space “a measure of national vision and willpower,” with an emphasis on developing next-generation missile defense technologies and ensuring its abilities to counter threats, including “any placement of nuclear weapons in space.”

The executive order was a step toward Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, an ambitious multibillion-dollar plan inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome that officials say would allow the US to intercept missiles from anywhere in the world. 

The US has remained vague on its plans for developing the missile shield, which Trump said he hopes to be completed by 2028. As CNN earlier reported, the Pentagon has scheduled its first major test for just before the 2028 election, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Speaking Monday, Meink also said a US space-based interceptor program had moved “from initial contract to flight-ready hardware in less than one year,” without revealing further details. (CNN)

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Former Member of Parliament Chandana Kathriarachchi has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

He was reportedly taken into custody along with two T‑56 magazines, 221 rounds of ammunition, and a hand grenade.

According to reports, he was arrested this morning (16) when the CCD searched the former MP’s residence in Piliyandala, under a warrant. (Newswire)

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Police investigations have uncovered significant evidence following information revealed by a suspect in custody, leading to the seizure of narcotics, weapons, and other illicit items.

According to the Police, a female suspect from Ratmalana, who was already in custody over possession of ICE narcotics, revealed information that led the Police to raid a house in Pirivena Road, within the Mount Lavinia division, yesterday (11 Feb).

During the search, officers seized 10.26 grams of ICE, Rs. 800,000 in cash, a shotgun with live ammunition, eight fake motorcycle license plates, four fake three‑wheeler plates, 18 fake car plates, an electronic scale, two gold chains, a gold bracelet, and a gold ring.

Investigations suggest these items were provided to the suspect by an organized criminal and drug trafficker. 

The Mount Lavinia Police are continuing further inquiries. (Newswire)

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A stock of weapons suspected to have been hidden by the LTTE during the war was found in the Sambu Kalapuwa area of Vakarai during a search operation.

According to the Police, a team of officers from the STF Vakarai camp carried out the search operation under an order obtained from the Valachchenai Magistrate’s Court. 

The operation was conducted by a group of STF officers, including the Regional Commanding Officer (Trincomalee).

During the search, the following weapons were recovered:

• 38 RPG anti‑tank rounds
• 37 RPG chargers
• 05 SFG‑87 type live hand grenades

According to court orders, the explosives are scheduled to be safely destroyed tomorrow (08 Jan) by the STF bomb disposal unit. (Newswire)

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The Criminal Investigation Department has recovered a foreign-manufactured pistol and a large cache of ammunition following information obtained from a detained organized crime suspect, ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, police said.

‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, who was brought to Sri Lanka from Indonesia, is currently being held under a detention order for further investigations.

During questioning by officers of the CID’s Commercial Crimes Investigation Division, the suspect revealed that a firearm and other property belonging to him had been concealed in Sri Lanka by another organized criminal currently overseas.

Acting on the information, CID officers, with assistance from the Special Task Force Kelaniya Camp, searched a temporary structure located on an access road between Ederamulla and the Colombo–Kandy main road.

Police recovered a foreign-made pistol, two T-56 ammunition magazines and 267 rounds of T-56 live ammunition. Further investigations are ongoing. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says 1947 weapons have been seized in 2025 alone, during raids conducted to tackle underworld and drug activities in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said that weapons are a key part of the drug and underworld networks. 

He further said shooting incidents are being reported across the country as certain underworld gangs are still in possession of weapons. 

Minister Wijepala also revealed that 78 T-56 firearms had been given to underworld gangs from a military camp previously, of which 36 have already been seized by the authorities. 

“The government will eradicate the underworld and drug menace in the country. We have introduced a systematic plan for this purpose,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Police have released images of the cache of weapons that were found in the Weheragala Lake in Kataragama on Tuesday (30).

According to the Police, the weapons found are; 

• 214 magazines of T-56
• 38 drum magazines of LMG
• 11 magazines of MPMG 200
• 09 magazines of MPMG 100
• 06 magazines of T-81
• 01 drum of 12.7 (used in anti-aircraft weapons) with 100 rounds

The cache of weapons had been found due to the water level of the Weheragala Lake receding.

The Police said the location where the weapons were found falls under the Gonaganara  Police Division. 

They added that Sri Lankan Navy divers are to be used to further inspect the area, while the Gonaganara Police Station is conducting further investigations. (Newswire) 

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A 24-year-old man was arrested with a stock of narcotics and a large haul of weapons in the Kottawa area on Sunday (28). 

According to the Police, the suspect was arrested during a raid conducted by the Police Special Task Force (STF), during which he was found to be in possession of 75.4 grams of heroin. 

The Police also found 458 live ammunition, a T-56 magazine, 30 fake vehicle number plates, 15 revenue licences, 15 insurance documents, and two mobile phones in the suspect’s possession. 

The suspect is a 24-year-old resident of Angulana, Moratuwa.

He has been handed over to the Western Province – South District Crimes Division, which is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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A stock of weapons suspected to belong to former local government member Sampath Manamperi, who is currently in remand custody in connection with the possession of chemicals used in the production of ICE narcotics, has been recovered in Middeniya. 

Speaking to Newswire, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that the haul of weapons had been found buried in a plot of land in Middeniya.

He further said the recovered weapons include a 09mm pistol, two T-56 magazines, 115 rounds of ammunition, and a hand grenade. 

Last week (17), Sampath Manamperi surrendered to the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court after being wanted in connection with the chemicals used in the production of ICE narcotics that were found in Middeniya. (Newswire)

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A 45-year-old suspect has been arrested in Minuwangoda in possession of multiple weapons, police said.

Officers recovered a T-56 firearm with a magazine and 14 bullets, a pistol with a magazine, nine 2.5mm rounds, nine 9mm rounds, three swords, and two knives during the operation.

According to the Police,  the suspect works as a security officer at the Katunayake Airport.

Investigations are continuing. (Newswire)

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The Kelaniya Division Crime Investigations Unit has uncovered a major cache of weapons and drugs, including two SMG-type firearms with two magazines containing ten 9mm live rounds, T56 Type 02 weapon components, 9.24 kg of heroin, and 67.57 kg of Kerala cannabis.

The cache of weapons and drugs was found following Police investigations into the shooting in Ragama on 03 July, where an individual identified as ‘Army Upul’ was fatally shot. 

The Police yesterday intercepted a suspicious motorcycle near Batuwatta cemetery and arrested the rider after discovering over 09 kilos of heroin in his bag.

Upon questioning, the suspect revealed he had delivered the firearm used in the Ragama shooting and had hidden it alongside another weapon at his temporary residence. 

A search of the residence led to the recovery of both firearms, and further questioning led to a second stash of cannabis weighing over 67 kilos, and other items, including military gear and electronics.

The 26-year-old suspect is a resident of Baseline Road, Borella, and is currently in custody for further interrogation. (Newswire)

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Over 900 kilos of Kerala cannabis, with a street value of over Rs. 202 million, has been seized in the Bolawatta area in Wennappuwa, during a coordinated search operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Navy and Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) on Wednesday. 

According to the Navy, the operation had also led to the interception of a car in connection with the smuggling racket and a cab in which 02 foreign-made pistols, 04 magazines and 40 rounds of ammunition were found.

The search operation was conducted based on credible intelligence information received by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, after which a suspicious cab was intercepted and raided in the Bolawatta area.

The Navy further said that 02 suspects were arrested in connection with the drugs and weapons seized during the raid. Based on information revealed by the suspects, another car and an individual believed to be connected to the same smuggling racket were also apprehended.

The arrested suspects are residents of Ulukkulama, Pothanegama, Nochchiyagama, and Ihalagama in Anuradhapura, between the ages of 44 to 51.

The suspects, along with the stock of Kerala cannabis, pistols and vehicles, have been handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for legal action. (Newswire)

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Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the eight suspected gang members linked to alleged organised crime boss Kehelbaddara Padme, who were arrested last week.  

According to the Police, the eight suspects were arrested with a haul of weapons during a raid conducted on a house in Gampaha on Saturday (19 Apr), based on a tip-off.

Investigations into a three-wheeler seized during the raid had uncovered a garage in Seeduwa involved in repairing and modifying such vehicles.

During an inspection of the garage, a three-wheeler, which could not be recognized, had been seized, while the 31-year-old owner of the garage had also been arrested yesterday.

Investigations had found that the three-wheeler had been sent for repairs by an individual living overseas. Further investigations had found that the three-wheeler seized at the garage had been stolen from a plantation in Ragama. 

Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man from Galpotha has been arrested in connection with handing over several rounds of live ammunition to the eight suspects who were previously arrested. 

During a raid on the suspect’s house in Galpotha yesterday, the Police had found six fake vehicle number plates and revenue licences for those number plates. The Police had also seized four mobile phones and some narcotics from the suspect’s possession.

The two suspects have been handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) for further investigations. (Newswire)

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The Kaduwela Police has found a haul of weapons, including an internationally manufactured firearm, from an abandoned well on land belonging to a private company.

An internationally manufactured pistol, 143 bullets of the pistol, one revolver and 09 revolver bullets were found following a raid conducted by the Kaduwela Police based on a tip-off.

The weapons were found covered in a polythene bag inside the 45-foot well today, while details regarding the suspects are yet to be found. 

The Kaduwela Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police has announced that financial rewards offered for information leading to the recovery of illegal firearms have been increased.

Accordingly, informants can now receive Rs. 01 million for a T-56 firearm, Rs. 400,000 for a pistol, and Rs. 300,000 for a revolver.

The Police said the financial rewards have been increased after observing the presence of illegal weapons in the country, following the rise in criminal activities in the recent past. (Newswire)

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A retired Army soldier was arrested with several firearms and sharp weapons in the Embilipitiya area yesterday. 

The Police said the suspect was arrested with a stock of weapons during a raid conducted by the Police STF near the Kotelawala Junction based on a tip-off.

The seized weapons include an AK47 firearm, a pistol, 25 bullets of a 7.62 firearm, 07 bullets of a 09 mm firearm, a magazine of an AK47 weapon, two swords and a knife.

Preliminary investigations have found that the suspect, a 53-year-old resident of Embilipitiya, is a close associate of an individual involved in organized crime and drug peddling. (Newswire) 

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The suspect arrested with several weapons, including T-56 rifles, has been identified as a Moulavi from the Ottamavadi area in the East of Sri Lanka. 

According to the Police, the suspect was apprehended during a search operation conducted by the Police Special Task Force, based on information provided by the Army Intelligence. 

Two T-56 rifles, two magazines, 60 rounds of ammunition, one pair of binoculars, and a sword had been recovered from the suspect’s possession.

The 43-year-old suspect has been transferred to the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) for further investigations. (Newswire)

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A 43-year-old resident of Ottamavadi has been arrested with several weapons, including T-56 rifles, based on information provided by the Army Intelligence. 

According to the Police, the suspect was apprehended during a search operation conducted by the Police Special Task Force in Aralaganwila. 

The Police had recovered two T-56 rifles, two magazines, 60 rounds of ammunition, one pair of binoculars, and a sword from the suspect’s possession.

The suspect has been transferred to the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) for further investigations. (Newswire)

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Nine (09) suspects, reported to be accomplices of alleged drug racketeer ‘Ruwan’ aka ‘Chooti’ who is currently living in Dubai, have been apprehended. 

It is reported that the group was arrested by the Police Special Task Force (STF) in Kandana. 

The STF had also seized a T56 firearm, 2 magazines and 45 rounds of ammunition during the arrest. (NewsWire)

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The government has announced the establishment of an ‘Anti-Narcotic Command’ to combat the influx of drugs and possible weapons trafficking from foreign nations into Sri Lanka. 

Making the announcement, Senior Adviser on National Security to the President and Chief of the Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka said this initiative will empower the country’s armed forces and the State Intelligence Service to collaborate with international intelligence agencies in conducting necessary operations. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), Ratnayaka made the remarks today (24) while inspecting the recent seizure of 200 kilograms of heroin valued at Rs. 4 billion, which was intercepted in the high seas and brought to the Colombo port on Monday.

Based on data obtained from a collaborative mission involving the Sri Lanka Navy and the Police Narcotics Bureau, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship ‘Samudraraksha’ was dispatched on a deep-sea mission approximately 91 nautical miles (168 km) to the west of Galle. During this operation, a shipment of heroin was intercepted and subsequently transported to the port of Colombo. 

Sagala Ratnayake further emphasized that the drafting of essential legislation to create this ‘Anti-Narcotic Command’ is currently underway and will soon be presented to the Parliament. 

Ratnayaka underscored that while 65% of drug raids result in arrests, the remaining 35% continue to infiltrate the country. He stressed the urgency of implementing a modern program aimed at entirely preventing the entry of drugs into our country. 

“First and foremost, I extend my congratulations to both the Navy and the Police Narcotics Bureau for successfully apprehending 200 kilograms of heroin. Remarkably, this marks the second substantial drug seizure within a brief span of time. The initial operation was executed based on intelligence provided by the Police Narcotics Bureau, while the most recent operation, according to information from the State Intelligence Service, was carried out by the Navy. The widespread global network of drug trafficking necessitates ongoing efforts to safeguard our population from this peril. In collaboration with the Navy, Police and various government agencies, Sri Lanka actively conducts drug raids. These endeavours result in the apprehension of approximately 65% of drugs attempting to enter the country, with the remaining 35% still making their way in. According to the latest intelligence, these drug shipments arrive at the international maritime border via large vessels and are subsequently transported into the country via smaller boats. This expansive drug network poses a significant challenge,” Ratnayaka said.

He went on to say that there is a concerning possibility of arms trafficking intertwined with these drug trades. 

“Vigilance in this regard is paramount, as it could pose a substantial threat to national security. To address these challenges, the development of new legislation is underway, with the creation of an Anti-Narcotic Command in progress. Proposed laws are in preparation and will be presented to the Parliament for future implementation. Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and a group of high-ranking officers of the Navy were also present on this occasion,” he added. (NewsWire)

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