Senior Defense Department cyber officials warned at the Space Systems Command Cyber Expo 2025 that cyber warfare now poses a serious threat to joint military operations and critical supply chains. The warning emphasised the need to treat cyberspace as a warfighting domain linked to physical effects.
What was said
John Garstka, director for cyber warfare in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Platform and Weapon Portfolio Management, delivered a keynote saying cyberattacks on commercial critical infrastructure are rising. He said wargaming shows cyber conflict can produce direct, real-world effects on military missions.
Key points from the keynote
Garstka likened cyberspace to a fifth warfighting domain and warned that attacks on infrastructure — water, power, fuel — can render space systems’ ground segments inoperable. He said risk assessments must span a system’s full lifecycle, not only operations and sustainment.
Who is at risk
Garstka named the defence industrial base (DIB) as a frequent target for adversaries, including China. He warned that cyberattacks can halt production lines, and that disruptions in the DIB can directly affect Department of Defense (DOD) missions relying on space systems.
Why it matters
The remarks underscore a broader shift: cyber operations can now create physical consequences at scale. Protecting hardware and supply chains is part of mission assurance. DOD leaders argue industry must receive clear requirements and funding to harden systems against espionage and sabotage.
Operational implications
When command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems or supporting infrastructure lose power or connectivity, mission capabilities degrade. Garstka said the services should treat the DIB as a mission partner and fund requirements that harden next-generation systems.
Timeline & event
- April 22–23, 2025 — Space Systems Command Cyber Expo 2025 at Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo.
- April 22, 2025 — John Garstka delivered a virtual keynote from the Pentagon.
References
- U.S. Department of War: Senior Pentagon official says cyber warfare poses significant threat to joint force
- Space Systems Command: Senior Pentagon official says cyber warfare poses significant threat to joint force
- MeriTalk: Cyberspace warfare poses significant threat to joint force
- Cyberwarzone: F5 Networks breach