U.S. and coalition forces meet at SpaceTAT ’26 to turn intelligence into advantage

The U.S. Space Force convened a multi-national working group at U.S. Space Forces – Space headquarters from June 24 to July 1 to sharpen frontline tactics for protecting space-based capabilities and denying adversaries opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities in orbit.

Space Tactics Analysis Team Working Group 2026, or SpaceTAT ’26, was hosted by the service’s Tactics and Adversary Studies Element and executed in coordination with Combat Forces Command—the field command that trains and generates combat-ready forces—and staff from S4S, the component that employs those forces in day-to-day global missions.

The event brought together U.S. and Five Eyes coalition space operators, system experts, and intelligence professionals to turn threat reporting into concrete operational advantages. “Space superiority begins with understanding the threat,” said U.S. Space Force Capt. Nathaniel Hlavin, Mission Delta 9 orbital warfare weapons officer. “SpaceTAT transforms intelligence into warfighting tactics that give Guardians and our allies the operational advantage they need to deter aggression and, if necessary, fight and win.”

Organizers emphasized cross-discipline collaboration to accelerate solutions. “Whether addressing orbital warfare or satellite communications, we are bringing operators and analysts together to solve the challenges that require our deepest focus and investment,” said U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Jesse Silveira, Combat Forces Command lead intelligence coordinator for the event. “SpaceTAT executes a clear vision to deliver actionable solutions directly to the formation.”

Over the week, participants analyzed historical intelligence to map adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures, then translated those insights into practical defensive options—ranging from specific satellite maneuvers to system adjustments designed to counter defined orbital threats. The team identified both non-materiel and materiel measures, from updated training guidelines to immediate software changes, offering “fight tonight” fixes while informing future force design.

The Space Force plans to disseminate the findings across the enterprise to align training and tactics with emerging threat trends. With space recognized as a contested global domain, the working group also coordinated closely with allies from the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia to build a shared playbook for integrated coalition responses.

SpaceTAT ’26 sets the tactical foundation ahead of the annual Weapons and Tactics Conference in August. While WEPTAC informs senior leaders on future capabilities, SpaceTAT focuses on near-term solutions for current operational challenges.

At the conclusion of the event, teams briefed their conclusions to senior leaders, including U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Gregory J. Gagnon, Combat Forces Command commander, and Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Kyle C. Paul, U.S. Space Command’s deputy Combined Joint Force Space Component commander.