
By Iwona Majkowska,
Published by TS2, 3 November 2023
The United States Space Force is expanding its global reach with the establishment of a new space formation for Europe and Africa. Set to be called SPACE-EURAF, this formation will become the fourth Space Force formation embedded into one of the US military’s regional commands. The US European Command (EUCOM) announced that SPACE-EURAF will begin operations on December 8.
This development signifies the elevation of the US Space Force’s status within the American military structure and establishes it on par with other military branches. The move allows the Space Force to provide additional space capabilities to combatant commanders, supporting a wide range of missions such as deterring potential adversaries, responding to crises, and strengthening alliances and partnerships.
Previously, the United States’ space capabilities in Europe and Africa were managed under the air component, US Air Forces in Europe and US Air Forces Africa. However, the establishment of SPACE-EURAF demonstrates the Space Force’s commitment to expanding its presence in key regions around the world.
While the immediate focus of the US military remains on the Middle East and the Pacific, the establishment of a European formation for the Space Force emphasizes the significance of the European and African regions in terms of space operations and military partnerships. This move aligns with the Space Force’s strategy to create geographic commands and strengthen military space alliances globally.
The inauguration of SPACE-EURAF will be led by Space Force Colonel Max Lantz, who currently heads up the space portfolio in the US Air Forces in Europe and US Air Forces Africa. By establishing a dedicated formation for Europe and Africa, the Space Force aims to enhance joint space capabilities and contribute to the overall security and defense objectives of the United States.
In addition to the establishment of SPACE-EURAF, the Space Force has also awarded contracts for 21 national security space launches to United Launch Alliance and SpaceX. These launches further demonstrate the Space Force’s commitment to maintaining the United States’ space superiority and providing critical space-based capabilities to support military operations.
As the Space Force continues to expand its global presence, it looks forward to playing a more vocal role in shaping critical decisions within combatant commands. The establishment of SPACE-EURAF and the ongoing investment in national security space launches highlight the Space Force’s dedication to advancing space capabilities and ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of space technology and defense.
FAQ:
1. What is SPACE-EURAF?
SPACE-EURAF is a new space formation of the United States Space Force that will be established in Europe and Africa. It will provide additional space capabilities to combatant commanders and support a range of missions.
2. When will SPACE-EURAF begin operations?
SPACE-EURAF is scheduled to begin operations on December 8.
3. How does the establishment of SPACE-EURAF elevate the status of the US Space Force?
The establishment of SPACE-EURAF signifies the elevation of the US Space Force’s status within the American military structure, placing it on par with other military branches.
4. What were the space capabilities in Europe and Africa previously managed under?
Previously, the United States’ space capabilities in Europe and Africa were managed under the air component, US Air Forces in Europe and US Air Forces Africa.
5. Who will lead the inauguration of SPACE-EURAF?
The inauguration of SPACE-EURAF will be led by Space Force Colonel Max Lantz, who currently heads up the space portfolio in the US Air Forces in Europe and US Air Forces Africa.
6. How many national security space launches have been awarded by the Space Force?
The Space Force has awarded contracts for 21 national security space launches to United Launch Alliance and SpaceX.
7. What is the goal of the Space Force in expanding its global presence?
The Space Force aims to enhance joint space capabilities, contribute to the overall security and defense objectives of the United States, and strengthen military space alliances globally.
Key Terms/Jargon Definitions:
1. US Space Force: The United States Space Force is a branch of the United States Armed Forces that focuses on space warfare.
2. Regional commands: Regional commands are units within the US military that are responsible for specific geographic regions and the military operations within those regions.
3. Combatant commanders: Combatant commanders are senior military officers who are responsible for the planning and execution of military operations within their assigned geographic areas of responsibility.
See: Original Article
