Russia wants to deploy nuclear weapons in space: what threats does this pose?
16 April 14:09
Russia plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space, which, if detonated, could cause global chaos by disabling 80% of satellites. In essence, Russia could stage a “space Pearl Harbor.”
General Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command, warned of this in a comment to The Times, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to him, the U.S. is “very concerned” about the Kremlin’s plans. It is noted that such plans by Russia are part of an escalation of aggression in space that has been observed since the start of the war in Ukraine.
“Russia remains a highly advanced space power and continues to invest in anti-space weapons. They plan to deploy nuclear anti-satellite weapons into orbit, which will pose a threat to all satellites in low Earth orbit,” the general explained.
The publication notes that a nuclear explosion in low Earth orbit—meaning a distance of 300 to 1,200 miles (or 480 to 1,930 km, – ed.) above the planet’s surface – could destroy and ultimately damage up to 10,000 or 80% of all satellites in space.
In addition to a devastating blow to military reconnaissance and guidance systems, detonating this weapon would disable a significant portion of the world’s civilian satellite communications for the internet and mobile phones, as well as GPS services. This is referred to as “space Pearl Harbor.”
“The problem with GPS jamming is that it is done in a way that affects civil aviation in Eastern and Southern Europe. When we endanger civilian aircraft and citizens who are simply trying to travel for business or leisure, it is extremely problematic. We don’t want this to become the norm,” the U.S. general noted, commenting on Russia’s actions.
According to him, the space sector has changed dramatically over the past decade. Currently, China and Russia are developing a complex of space-based weapons. Yet despite Russia’s actions, China remains the United States’ biggest competitor in space.
The general believes that the next major war will likely begin in space.
