Russia is apparently developing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon system. While the Kremlin describes the US intelligence reports as a “malicious fabrication,” the Biden administration is trying to keep a lid on its own findings. The actual use of such a space weapon would have enormous consequences for Europe and the world.
Reports from US intelligence that Russia is working on nuclear weapons systems for space are causing international uproar. Meanwhile, the US government has also made an official statement and is trying to put the brakes on: the development is worrying, national security spokesman John Kirby said on Thursday, but there is no immediate danger. “They are still developing those skills. We are still analyzing the information we have available.”
“Serious concerns” from intelligence services
President Joe Biden ordered a series of initial measures, including direct diplomatic contacts with Russia. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will brief senior members of Congress on the situation later today.
Kirby’s statement to listen to:
According to Kirby, the US will not publicly release any further information about the type and stage of development of the weapon, which is primarily intended to target satellites. Secret services are ‘gravely concerned’ about the widespread release. “They also conclude that starting with confidential engagement rather than immediately releasing the information could be a much more effective approach.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the administration is taking the Russian program “very, very seriously.”
The Kremlin denies US information
Russia on Thursday called the warnings a “malicious fabrication” and a trick. This is clearly an attempt by the US government to get Congress to approve more money for Ukraine and fight Russia, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He declined to comment further on the reports until the US government released details.
The New York Times and ABC News have reported that the new US information was linked to Russian efforts to develop a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. It was initially unclear why Russia would need nuclear equipment to destroy a satellite. Non-nuclear anti-satellite weapons have been around for years.
Experts: Nuclear propulsion more likely
Analysts who track Russia’s space programs say the space weapon is unlikely to be a nuclear warhead. More realistic is a powerful device that requires nuclear energy to carry out a series of attacks on satellites.
These include signal jammers, weapons that can blind image sensors, or electromagnetic pulses that can cripple all satellite electronics in a given orbital area.
“The Russians think that if we don’t have access to our satellites, we’re blind, and that’s probably true,” a former U.S. intelligence official told Reuters. “Our ability to rely on satellites is a major advantage in a potential confrontation, but also a major vulnerability.”
An attack would bring about the collapse of the alliance
The impact of military action in space would be devastating. In 2021, NATO decided that attacks from or in space could in the future be dealt with under Article 5 of collective defense. In other words, the fall of the alliance would be declared.
The step was justified, among other things, by the fact that attacks on satellites could be used in the event of war to paralyze parts of public life. The dependence on these systems is enormous nowadays. The processing of cashless payment transactions, mobile telephone networks or navigation systems for road, sea and air transport can be seriously affected by an attack.
But the functionality of air defense systems, such as the European joint project Sky Shield, could also be seriously limited:
The 1967 International Outer Space Treaty, to which both Russia and the United States are signatories, prohibits signatories from “placing in orbit around the Earth objects containing nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction.” Russia in particular has repeatedly criticized the US in the presence of the United Nations in recent decades for wanting to weaponize space. The gist is that this is an extremely dangerous trend!
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
