John Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, expects military services to implement updated classification guidance by the end of the year. The updated policy, signed by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks in January, aims to enhance communication with allies and partners.
The policy involves changing the security designation known as the special access program, which restricts information sharing and integration across platforms and with international partners. The Pentagon is reviewing long-held practices to share information about classified programs, including potentially changing classification levels to enable better collaboration with allies.
In the space domain, highly secretive programs have limited discussions with international allies and commercial partners. Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command, emphasized the importance of the updated policy in enabling crucial conversations with partners. He urged military acquisition organizations to swiftly implement the guidance to enhance information sharing and collaboration efforts.
