Space Force – As space becomes an increasingly contested operational domain, the ability to understand and counter emerging threats is more important than ever. To strengthen the tactical edge of the U.S. Space Force and its international partners, military leaders, intelligence specialists, and space operators gathered at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, for the Space Tactics Analysis Team Working Group 2026 (SpaceTAT '26). Held from June 24 to July 1, the event focused on transforming intelligence into practical warfighting solutions that improve readiness and strengthen space superiority.
Toc=#(Table of Content)
 |
| U.S. Space Force photo illustration by David Dozoretz) (This image has been digitally altered for operational security.) |
Hosted by the U.S. Space Force's Tactics and Adversary Studies Element, SpaceTAT '26 brought together experts from across the United States and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to examine evolving threats, develop countermeasures, and ensure coalition forces remain prepared to defend critical space capabilities relied upon by the Joint Force every day.
Turning Intelligence into Operational Advantage
The primary objective of SpaceTAT '26 was to bridge the gap between intelligence collection and real-world military operations. Rather than simply studying potential adversaries, participants focused on converting intelligence into actionable tactics that Guardians can immediately apply during operational missions.
Military intelligence analysts, satellite operators, engineers, and tactical experts worked side by side to evaluate emerging threats in the space domain and identify effective methods for countering them. By combining operational experience with intelligence assessments, the working group aimed to provide military units with practical solutions that improve mission effectiveness and strengthen deterrence.
This collaborative approach reflects the Space Force's growing emphasis on intelligence-driven operations, where rapid analysis directly supports tactical decision-making.
Combat Forces Command Leads the Initiative
The extensive planning and coordination behind SpaceTAT '26 was led by the U.S. Space Force's Combat Forces Command (CFC) in partnership with U.S. Space Forces–Space (S4S).
Combat Forces Command is responsible for organizing, training, and generating combat-ready Guardian forces, while Space Forces–Space serves as the Space Force's service component supporting U.S. Space Command's day-to-day global operations.
Together, the two organizations ensured the event addressed both current operational requirements and future tactical challenges facing military space operations.
Experts from Across the Space Enterprise Collaborate
One of the defining characteristics of SpaceTAT '26 was the diversity of expertise represented throughout the working group. Participants included operational Guardians, intelligence professionals, satellite system specialists, and technical experts from across the U.S. national security space community.
Rather than working within separate organizational boundaries, specialists from multiple disciplines collaborated directly to solve complex operational challenges. Discussions covered a wide range of mission areas, including orbital warfare, satellite communications, intelligence analysis, and defensive space operations.
This multidisciplinary approach allowed participants to evaluate threats from multiple perspectives while developing more comprehensive and practical solutions.
Studying Adversary Tactics and Developing Countermeasures
Throughout the week-long event, participants analyzed historical intelligence to better understand the tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by potential adversaries in the space domain.
Using these intelligence assessments, operational teams developed defensive strategies designed to protect U.S. and allied space capabilities. The analysis included evaluating potential satellite maneuvers, operational adjustments, and defensive responses that could reduce vulnerabilities during future conflicts.
Rather than focusing solely on long-term technological development, SpaceTAT emphasized producing solutions that could be implemented immediately. These included updated operational procedures, revised training guidance, software improvements, and recommendations for future capability development.
The result was a combination of near-term "fight tonight" solutions alongside longer-term concepts that will help shape future Space Force doctrine and force design.
Supporting Training Across the Space Force
The work completed during SpaceTAT extends far beyond the participants attending the event. Following the conclusion of the working group, findings and recommendations will be distributed throughout the Space Force to improve operational training and tactical development.
Units across the service will use the newly developed tactics to better prepare Guardians for evolving threats in the increasingly competitive space environment. By rapidly sharing lessons learned, the Space Force ensures operational knowledge spreads quickly across the enterprise rather than remaining isolated within individual organizations.
This continuous cycle of intelligence, analysis, and tactical improvement enables the service to adapt more effectively as adversary capabilities continue to evolve.
International Allies Strengthen Coalition Readiness
SpaceTAT '26 also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in defending the space domain. Representatives from the Five Eyes partnership—including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—worked alongside one another throughout the event.
Because military space operations increasingly rely on multinational coordination, coalition partners focused on developing shared tactics and operational procedures that improve interoperability during future missions.
By creating a common operational framework, allied forces can respond more effectively to emerging threats while ensuring space capabilities remain available to support joint military operations around the world.
The close collaboration demonstrated during SpaceTAT reflects the growing importance of coalition partnerships in maintaining security within the increasingly contested space domain.
Laying the Foundation for WEPTAC 2026
In addition to producing immediate tactical improvements, SpaceTAT serves as the analytical foundation for the annual Weapons and Tactics Conference (WEPTAC), one of the Space Force's premier professional development events.
While WEPTAC focuses on shaping future operational concepts and long-term capability development, SpaceTAT provides the detailed tactical analysis needed to address current threats facing Guardians today.
The recommendations generated during the working group help inform discussions among senior leaders while ensuring future capability investments remain aligned with real-world operational requirements.
Senior Leaders Review Operational Findings
At the conclusion of the event, participating teams presented their analysis and recommendations to senior Space Force leadership, including Lt. Gen. Gregory J. Gagnon, commander of Combat Forces Command, and Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Kyle C. Paul, deputy Combined Joint Force Space Component commander for U.S. Space Command.
The presentations highlighted both immediate operational improvements and longer-term recommendations for strengthening coalition space operations. These findings will help guide future training, operational planning, and capability development across the Space Force and its allied partners.
Preparing for an Increasingly Contested Space Domain
As strategic competition expands into space, maintaining operational superiority depends on more than advanced technology alone. Success increasingly requires the ability to rapidly analyze intelligence, understand adversary behavior, and translate that knowledge into practical warfighting tactics.
SpaceTAT '26 demonstrates how the U.S. Space Force is building that advantage by bringing together intelligence professionals, operators, technical experts, and coalition partners to solve complex operational challenges collaboratively. By strengthening tactical readiness, improving international interoperability, and rapidly sharing lessons learned across the force, the event ensures Guardians are better prepared to protect critical space capabilities that support military operations worldwide. As future threats continue to evolve, initiatives like SpaceTAT will remain essential to preserving space superiority and strengthening the collective defense capabilities of the United States and its allies.
Source: U.S. Space Force
