Weaponization of the Final Frontier: Security Challenges and Prospects of Regulations

Abstract

While space weapons are not a new phenomenon, recent technological developments have significantly increased the destructive potential of space warfare. Space has been militarized for a while but has yet to be weaponized. The United States is poised to weaponize outer space and has created a Space Force – a move that threatens other countries such as China and Russia and is likely to trigger an arms race in outer space. Countries like India are also joining the race, posing a direct threat to Pakistan. This escalation will jeopardize global security and risk the weaponization of space, a global common. Existing space regulations need to be revised to address the new weapons being developed by major powers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to negotiate comprehensive international laws and treaties to prevent an arms race in outer space. The paper aims to assess these developments and the threat posed by space weapons and explore possible solutions through international law to mitigate this threat.