US Space Force Opens New Command in Arizona on January 22, 2026 to Watch Western Hemisphere Space

The US Space Force has opened a new command in Arizona. This is the first time a dedicated space command has been set up for the Western Hemisphere.
By Newsroom | Military, Space |

The recent activation of U.S. Space Forces Southern (SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN) marks a significant step in enhancing space domain awareness and operational integration across the Western Hemisphere. This new command, headquartered at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, aims to unify space capabilities with joint, interagency, and multinational partners. Its establishment underscores a growing recognition of space's importance in supporting regional security, deterrence, and stability across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The move appears to be a deliberate effort to elevate the strategic value of space assets and activities within the U.S. Southern Command's (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility.

Establishment of SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN

U.S. Space Forces Southern was officially activated on January 22, 2026, during a ceremony in Arizona. This formalization establishes it as the space component of U.S. Southern Command.

U.S. <b>Space</b> Forces Southern collaborates with <b>space</b> industry in radar site visit - 1

  • SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN is tasked with integrating space power with various partners to support regional security.

  • The command's operational area includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

  • Its headquarters are located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, co-located with Air Forces Southern.

  • The emblem of SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN features the Southern Cross constellation and a lightning bolt.

Strategic Rationale and Regional Focus

The activation of SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN is directly tied to the increasing operational importance of space in daily missions within SOUTHCOM's vast and complex area of responsibility. Space-enabled capabilities are vital for operations across significant distances and challenging environments.

Read More: US Space Forces Southern Activated in Arizona on January 22, 2026, to Boost Regional Security

  • Regional Security: The command is expected to enhance regional security by ensuring partners have access to and understanding of space capabilities.

  • Deterrence and Stability: By integrating space power, SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN aims to contribute to deterrence and maintain stability across the hemisphere.

  • Interoperability: A key objective is to foster better interoperability between U.S. forces, international partners, and interagency entities concerning space operations.

Collaboration and Partnerships

SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN is designed to work closely with a range of organizations to achieve its objectives. This includes:

U.S. <b>Space</b> Forces Southern collaborates with <b>space</b> industry in radar site visit - 2

  • U.S. Space Command: Collaboration with the parent command is essential for strategic alignment and resource allocation.

  • U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM): As the space component, close integration with SOUTHCOM's overall mission is paramount.

  • U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM): Coordination with NORTHCOM is anticipated to ensure seamless operations across continental boundaries.

  • Air National Guard's State Partnership Program: This program offers a pathway to engage with international partners on space-related matters.

  • International Partners: Building strong alliances through space cooperation is a central theme, as highlighted by events like the annual Space Conference of the Americas.

Advancing Space Domain Awareness

A critical function of SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN will be to strengthen space domain awareness (SDA) throughout the region. This involves the ability to detect, track, and identify objects in space.

  • Developments in advanced radar technology, such as the U.S. Space Force's new deep space radar capable of tracking objects in geosynchronous orbit, are crucial for bolstering SDA.

  • These advancements enable the monitoring of satellites thousands of miles away, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the space environment.

  • Improved SDA is essential for protecting U.S. and allied space assets and ensuring freedom of movement in space.

Expert Insights and Past Engagements

The establishment of SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN builds upon existing efforts to integrate space capabilities and foster cooperation in the Western Hemisphere.

"This activation reflects the growing operational importance of space to missions conducted daily in the Southcom area of responsibility." – Alford, First Commander of Space Forces Southern

Past events, such as the annual Space Conference of the Americas hosted by SOUTHCOM, have underscored the necessity for advancing space cooperation and interoperability among U.S. and its Western Hemisphere partners. U.S. Space Command has also highlighted its role in deterring and countering adversaries by projecting power across all warfighting domains, including space.

Conclusion

The activation of U.S. Space Forces Southern represents a strategic evolution in how the U.S. military approaches space operations in the Western Hemisphere. By formalizing a dedicated space component within SOUTHCOM, the initiative aims to harness the full potential of space for regional security, deterrence, and stability. The emphasis on collaboration with a diverse set of partners, coupled with advancements in space domain awareness technologies, positions SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN to play a pivotal role in the complex and dynamic space environment of the region. The command's success will likely depend on its ability to foster robust interoperability and effectively leverage space capabilities to meet SOUTHCOM's strategic objectives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was U.S. Space Forces Southern established on January 22, 2026?
U.S. Space Forces Southern was established to improve how the US watches and uses space in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It will help work with other countries and groups.
Q: Where is U.S. Space Forces Southern located?
The new command, called SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN, is located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. It will work closely with Air Forces Southern.
Q: What will U.S. Space Forces Southern do?
It will help make sure space is safe and stable in the Western Hemisphere. It will also help partners use space tools better for things like watching over the area and making sure enemies do not cause trouble.
Q: How will U.S. Space Forces Southern improve watching space?
The command will use new technology, like advanced radar, to track objects in space. This helps the US and its partners know what is happening in space to keep their satellites safe.
Q: Who will U.S. Space Forces Southern work with?
SPACEFOR-SOUTHERN will work with the U.S. Space Command, U.S. Southern Command, and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. It will also work with the Air National Guard's State Partnership Program.