France Is Making Space-Based Anti-Satellite Laser Weapons

France announced plans on Thursday to develop satellites armed with laser weapons that will be used against enemy satellites that threaten the country’s space forces. Popular Mechanics reports: In remarks earlier today, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said, “If our satellites are threatened, we intend to blind those of our adversaries. We reserve the right and the means to be able to respond: that could imply the use of powerful lasers deployed from our satellites or from patrolling nano-satellites.” “We will develop power lasers, a field in which France has fallen behind,” Parly added. France also plans to develop nano-satellite patrollers — small satellites that act as bodyguards for larger French space assets by 2023. Per Parly’s remarks, nano-sats could be armed with lasers. According to DW, France is also adding cameras to new Syracuse military communications satellites. Additionally France plans to set up its own space force, the “Air and Space Army,” as part of the French Air Force. The new organization will be based in Toulouse, but it’s not clear if the Air and Space Army will remain part of the French Air Force or become its own service branch.