During the Air, Space and Cyber Conference held on Wednesday, General Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the evolving nature of modern warfare. Caine argued that the United States military must broaden its operational scope beyond Earth’s orbit to include the lunar environment. According to Caine, the military needs to take proactive steps now to ensure it is fully prepared to "fight, endure and win" in these outer reaches of space.

While the report focuses on the necessity of this strategic shift, it does not detail the specific threats or adversaries that necessitate such a move. The statement reflects a growing consensus among defense officials that space is becoming an increasingly contested domain. By highlighting the need for readiness in lunar space, Caine is signaling a shift in military doctrine that treats the area around the moon as a potential theater for future conflict. The remarks underscore the military's intent to maintain a competitive advantage as other nations also increase their presence and activities in lunar orbit and beyond.