The U.S. Space Force is expanding its sphere of influence this month as the armed forces branch broke ground on a new facility in the Middle East earlier this month.

Construction began on the “Space Campus” at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar and the new campus is considered vital to the future success of the Space Force. Its purpose is to increase and maximize operational capabilities in the region. This includes aiding other military branches with troops in the area by warning of missile launches or other aerial attacks directed at U.S. troops and ships in the area, particularly the Red Sea. 

“(The Campus) represents the ever-growing partnership between the United States and Qatar, a bond forged in trust and strengthened year by year since the 1990s,” said Space Forces Central deputy commander, U.S. Space Force Col. Frank Brooks. “Al Udeid Air Base has been more than just a military installation; it has been a foundation for collaboration and mutual respect.”

The new base will help the U.S. Space Force to conduct more operations globally. It is an integral part of future endeavors and is expected to significantly impact “the base’s ability to support space-related missions,” according to a press release.

“This complex will soon become a beacon for the vital space systems and operations that underpin U.S. CENTCOM’s mission of promoting stability, security, and partnership across the region,” Brooks said. “It will stand as a testament to our shared vision for a safer, more secure world.”

Once completed, the Space Campus will be a “state-of-the-art facility” for Space Force officials to advance organizational missions and objectives and enhance the development and efficiencies related to the “growing demands of space-related activities.”

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“The U.S. Space Force continues to play a critical role in regional and global operations. Committed forces maintain 24/7 operations to ensure the safety and sustainability of space and protect our way of life,” read the release. “In addition to protecting the joint and combined forces from space-enabled attacks, Guardians are uniquely trained in warfighting activities in, from, and to the space domain.” 

“The completion of the Al Udeid Space Campus is a major milestone in the development of space capabilities, and its impact will be felt across the region and beyond,” noted the release.