Cyber Official Calls for Deeper Integration of Space, Cyber and AI

The Defense Department is accelerating efforts to integrate cyber, space and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, according to the Pentagon’s top cyber policy official. 

Speaking at Space Force IT Day, Katherine Sutton, assistant secretary of war for cyber policy and the principal cyber adviser to the secretary of war, shared the department’s vision for closer integration between sectors. 

“This level of integration is the future of all-domain warfare,” Sutton said. “We're moving into an era where the lines between space and cyberspace will continue to blur.” 

The department views cyber defense as foundational for maintaining a military advantage in space, particularly as AI technologies continue to reshape modern warfare. 

“The proliferation of artificial intelligence will only supercharge the scale, scope and sophistication of this threat frontier,” she said. “Put simply, AI is making it faster, cheaper and easier for our adversaries to threaten our most exquisite capabilities to include in the space domain."

In her keynote speech at the event, hosted by AFCEA NOVA on Tuesday, Sutton shared that space superiority would not be possible without two things: 

1. Robust cyber security, including encrypting downlinks to stay competitive with adversary capabilities 

2. Seamless integration of space, cyber and terrestrial warfighting capabilities to truly achieve integrated all-domain warfare 

“Our adversaries are weaponizing cyberspace to target the vast, interconnected command and control systems of our space architecture,” she said. 

To address these challenges, the department is pushing cybersecurity operations earlier in the development process. 

“Part of my job is to ensure we provide sufficient cyber defenses to maintain the combat credibility of our joint force," Sutton said. "For the space domain, this means ensuring that we incorporate cybersecurity and defensive cyber operations concepts into every phase of concept development and across the entirety of our space supporting infrastructure.” 

Sutton also emphasized the importance of connectivity between the Space Force and cyber forces, which she said will “unlock maximum opportunities to fuse space and cyber capabilities and authorities for maximum effect.” 

A major theme throughout her speech was the department’s evolving relationship with industry, which she described as essential. 

“Particularly from a cyber perspective, we are looking to move to shift from a mindset that industry is merely a provider of good services and capabilities. Instead, we view industry as a partner, one that is indispensable and working alongside us. Collectively, we need to think outside of the box on how we can enhance partnerships with industry, and we must do so with urgency,” she stressed.

Speaking directly to an audience of government and industry leaders at Space Force IT Day, Sutton emphasized the critical role of industry partnerships in defending U.S. cyber needs. 

“You are our frontline defenders.”