COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) — Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna hosted military space leaders from 17 other countries at the annual Space Chiefs Forum on April 11. The event is part of ongoing Space Force efforts to foster multinational collaboration that builds enduring operational advantages.
First held in 2021, the forum is a key opportunity for global partners to collectively assess the space security environment, evaluate new cooperative concepts, and discuss steps that can be taken together to maintain the safety, stability, and long-term sustainability of the domain.
This year’s iteration explored ways to increase cooperation across a range of mission areas and featured a series of briefings and discussions led by U.S. and partner nation representatives. Topics included emerging security challenges, civil-military collaboration, space education and training, enlisted force employment, and force structure.
In addition to Saltzman and Bentivegna, participants from the U.S. included: Kelli Seybolt, deputy under secretary of the Air Force, international affairs; Lt. Gen Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of space operations, strategy, plans, programs, and requirements; Lt. Gen. Deanna Burt, deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear; Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, commander, U.S. Space Forces – Space; Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, deputy chief of space operations for intelligence; Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, commander, Space Training and Readiness Command; and Brig. Gen. Devin Pepper, vice commander, Space Operations Command.
The partner nations in attendance included: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
“Cooperation between like-minded nations is essential to securing our collective interests in space,” Saltzman said. “This forum facilitates constructive dialogues, the inclusion of diverse perspectives, and the exchange of innovative ideas to help us tackle shared challenges and deepen our mutually beneficial partnerships.”
Participating military leaders from each nation agreed to a joint statement reaffirming the important role of enhanced cooperation and partnerships in keeping space free from aggression and conflict.
source: www.spaceforce.mil