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Space Is the Battlefield: Deterrence, Hypersonics, and China’s Threat with ULA CEO Tory Bruno
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In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Tory Bruno, President and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), which is responsible for more than 90% of U.S. national security space launches. Bruno discusses the escalating threat landscape in space, the urgency of a layered missile defense architecture known as the "Golden Dome," and how adversaries like China may initiate future conflicts in orbit before any shots are fired on Earth. The conversation also explores the technological and policy components of space deterrence, Bruno’s insights from decades of leadership in strategic defense, and the role of directed energy in countering hypersonics.
Main Topics Covered:
ULA’s role in national security and heavy-lift launch capability
The increasing likelihood that future conflicts with China will begin in space
The case for a layered missile defense system, including THAAD and NGI
Vulnerabilities in U.S. space infrastructure and economic dependence on orbit-based systems
Directed energy as a solution to maneuvering hypersonic threats
Policy priorities for the incoming administration
Key Quotes:
“A conflict like that on Earth will begin in space because China will see it as a means of leveling the playing field.” – Tory Bruno
“[Space is now] a utility for our economy, everything and our society. Not having space would be like not having water, not having highways, not having transportation.” – Tory Bruno
“[Space] isn’t a force multiplier. It is now absolutely essential for basic military operations.” – Tory Bruno
“North Korea, Iran, Syria… there’s about a dozen countries that we now need to be concerned about. They would not necessarily be able to mount the volume of an attack that a China could. But… they might have some similar [counterspace] capabilities that in the past would have been really beyond their reach.” – Tory Bruno
“Golden Dome is way overdue… When you’ve got a dozen countries that have a capability to put either a conventional or, God forbid, a weapon of mass destruction on your kids’ school, then only having a retaliatory deterrent is insufficient.” – Tory Bruno
Relevant Links and Resources:
Guest Bio: Tory Bruno is President and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), where he leads the country’s most experienced and reliable launch provider. Prior to ULA, he held senior roles at Lockheed Martin, including as Vice President of the THAAD missile program. With decades of experience in missile defense, strategic deterrence, and space systems, Bruno is a leading voice on the intersection of aerospace technology and national security.
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