Trump moots Space Force to fight star wars

President Donald Trump said he is considering a new ''Space Force'' alongside his army, navy and air forces as the battle for world dominance moves to the next level.

Trump was speaking at a gathering of military personnel at the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego, California.

''Space is a war-fighting domain, just like the land, air, and sea,'' he said. ''We may even have a Space Force, develop another one, Space Force. We have the Air Force, we'll have the Space Force.''

''I said, 'maybe we need a new force, we'll call it the Space Force,' and I was not really serious. Then I said, 'what a great idea,' maybe we'll have to do that,'' he told the Marines.

''So think of that, Space Force … because we are spending a lot and we have a lot of private money coming in. Tremendous ... And our service members will be vital to ensuring America continues to lead the way into the stars.''

He then moved to another battle closer to home, attacking media attending the address for ''fake news'' to the cheers of soldiers and combat pilots.

According to commentators, the president's declaration of  ''Space Force'' comes shortly after the prospect of war being fought above our skies ''within years'' was raised by a top US general.

According to Sean O'Keefe, who was both Nasa administrator and Navy secretary under President George W Bush, this may be more about boosting reconnaissance and cybersecurity than fighting in orbit.

Trump's own defence secretary and Air Force secretary had opposed it when members of Congress pushed it last year, O'Keefe said. ''You can emphasise more help for the military in space without going to the massive organisational change and expense,'' he said.