Senior Space Force General: Iran Conflict Shows ‘Return to US Spectrum Dominance’

Lt. Gen. Gregory J. Gagnon, head of the Space Force’s Combat Forces Command, stated on July 17 that the U.S. conflict with Iran demonstrates a 'return to U.S. spectrum dominance.' Speaking at an AFA Mitchell Institute event, Gagnon detailed the Space Force's critical but often classified role, including missile warning, satellite communications (SATCOM) for drone warfare, and electromagnetic spectrum operations. He noted that the U.S. achieved space superiority and that Guardians are delivering effects in a contested electromagnetic environment. Gagnon also highlighted the Space Force's planned budget increase for 2027, which will fund added resiliency for satellite constellations, including keeping spare satellites in storage to assume losses in wartime. The article frames this as a shift from the Global War on Terror, where spectrum warfare was deprioritized, back to a focus on countering near-peer adversaries.