U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific News

Space Forces Indo-Pacific Commander Highlights Space’s Critical Role in Indo-Pacific Security March 5, 2025

Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, emphasized space’s growing role in regional security and joint warfighting during an Air and Space Force Association Warfare Symposium panel March 4, 2025.

The panel, titled Integrating Space into the Global Fight featured Mastalir alongside Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, commander of Space Forces-Space and Combined Joint Force Space Component Command; Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton, commander of Space Forces-Europe and Space Forces-Africa; and Col. Christopher Putman, commander of Space Forces-Central Command.

The four senior leaders discussed the evolving challenges of space operations across multiple theaters, focusing on countering adversary capabilities, strengthening alliances, and integrating space effects into joint warfighting.

As the Indo-Pacific continues as a focal point for strategic competition, Mastalir emphasized the growing need for space capabilities to counter emerging threats.

“The Indo-Pacific presents a uniquely challenging environment, driven by the Chinese Communist Party’s rapid advancements in space and counterspace capabilities,” said Mastalir. “Our primary focus is to protect the joint force from space-enabled attack by countering adversary kill-webs and ensuring the freedom of action for U.S. and allied forces.”

Mastalir outlined three key priorities for SPACEFOR-INDOPAC in supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific Command: integrating space effects into joint operations, posturing advanced space capabilities forward in the region, and deepening collaboration with allies and partners to strengthen interoperability.

Expanding the Role of Guardians in the Indo-Pacific

Despite the small size of his organization relative to other service components in the region, Mastalir highlighted the command’s outsized impact.

“When SPACEFOR-INDOPAC stood up, we had just a handful of Guardians—primarily operators,” he said. “By this summer, we expect to grow to over 80 Guardians, and despite our size, our impact continues to grow as our sister services increasingly recognize that space is vital to the joint force’s scheme of maneuver.”

Mastalir also emphasized the importance of integrating Guardians into planning processes with Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Army Pacific, and Special Operations Command Pacific.

“As we integrate more across the components and share our story, the demand for Guardian expertise is increasing rapidly,” he said.

Enhancing Resilience in a Contested Space Domain

Addressing the growing threat of electronic warfare, jamming, and counterspace operations, Mastalir pointed to the increasing role of resilient space architectures in maintaining mission assurance. He noted the importance of systems like Bounty Hunter, which detect and geolocate sources of electromagnetic interference, and the integration of commercial space assets such as Starlink and Starshield to bolster warfighting capabilities.

“Our goal is to ensure the joint force can operate in a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Mastalir said. “We continue to push forward with innovative solutions to enhance resilience and provide the space capabilities the warfighter needs.”

Strengthening Allied Space Collaboration

Mastalir also highlighted significant progress in allied space integration, including deeper partnerships with Japan, Australia, and South Korea.

“As the Indo-Pacific’s lead space component, integrating with allies and partners is part of everything we do,” he said. “The addition of Australian exchange officers to our headquarters is a major step toward making our operations ‘Allied by Design.’”

He acknowledged challenges remain among Allies, particularly in data sharing and access to classified information, which require ongoing efforts to improve interoperability.

Looking Ahead

As the Space Force evolves, Mastalir emphasized the need for continued investment in scalable targeting, space-based electronic warfare, and enhanced space domain awareness to maintain a competitive edge in the region.

“We are focused on ensuring the U.S. and our allies can operate in and through space in any environment,” Mastalir said. “Our partnerships, our innovation, and our commitment to joint warfighting will keep us ahead of the competition.”