The US Pentagon is ramping up preparations for potential conflict in space, as China and Russia continue to deploy advanced ground-launched missiles and lasers capable of destroying satellites and disrupting military and civilian communication networks.

To counter these threats, the White House has proposed a $30 billion annual budget for the US Space Force, representing an increase of almost $4 billion from last year and a larger boost than for other military services like the Air Force and Navy.

According to reports, the Space Force's 16,000 Guardians are tasked with managing rocket launches, satellites, and ground-based communication and sensor equipment, among other responsibilities.

Although the US, China, and Russia are all signatories to the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for scientific purposes, each country maintains a significant military presence in space. The Pentagon's concerns over China and Russia's capabilities to destroy satellites and disrupt communication have led to heightened preparation for potential space conflicts.

The development comes amid growing tensions between the US and its rivals over geopolitical, economic, and technological supremacy. As countries continue to compete for dominance in space, the potential for conflict in this arena remains a growing concern for the international community.