Concerns Rise in the U.S. Over Potential Placement of Russian Nuclear Weapon in Space
TL/DR –
U.S. intelligence discovered that Russia is potentially developing a space-based weapon that could target satellites and potentially violate the half-century-old treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons in space. This development is becoming a significant concern to the Biden administration who anticipate the weapon would not be detonated, but could cause widespread disruption. The U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has shared concerns with Chinese and Indian counterparts, warning any nuclear detonation in space could cause major damage to global communications systems and urging them to pressure Russia.
US Concerned Over Possible Russian Space-Based Nuclear Weapon
After Russia launched multiple confidential military satellites around its early 2022 Ukraine invasion, American intelligence officials began investigating potential threats. The probe revealed that Russia is developing a new space-based weapon, potentially violating a historical treaty.
Recent warnings suggest another launch could be imminent, raising concerns that Russia might deploy a real nuclear weapon in space, breaching a fifty-year-old agreement. While there’s a debate about President Putin’s intentions, the intelligence is alarming for the Biden administration.
Even if a nuclear weapon is placed in orbit, U.S. officials believe it wouldn’t be detonated. Instead, Putin would use it as a threat, demonstrating his capability to devastate economies without directly targeting earth’s population.
Russia’s Threat Could Impact Global Communication Systems
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken warned his Chinese and Indian counterparts about the potential Russian nuclear move. Blinken explained that any space-based nuclear explosion could destroy not just American satellites, but those of Beijing and New Delhi too.
Such an event would cause global communications systems to fail, affecting everything from emergency services to cell phone operation. Additionally, debris from the explosion could scatter throughout low-earth orbit, disrupting navigation for numerous satellites.
Blinken encouraged Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to dissuade Putin from this potentially disastrous path.
Russia’s Disregard for the Outer Space Treaty
Both the U.S. and the Soviet Union briefly tested nuclear weapons in space before signing the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The treaty bans deployment of nuclear weapons in orbit and nuclear detonations in space. A potential violation by Putin could encourage other nations like North Korea to follow suit.
The 1962 test by the United States, launched from Johnston Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, yielded severe damage. The resulting electromagnetic pulse disrupted electronics in Hawaii and damaged numerous satellites.
Such a move by Putin could heighten his confrontation with the U.S. and Europe. His inability to capture Ukraine, despite superior military strength, has demonstrated the limitations of Russia’s conventional forces.
Putin Betting on Threat of Space-Based Nuclear Weapon
Some intelligence officials suspect Putin is developing space-based nuclear weapons, believing adversaries like the U.S. wouldn’t risk a direct confrontation over a satellite-armed nuclear weapon.
However, the White House describes the new Russian weapon as antisatellite technology, insisting it poses no direct threat to human populations. “We are not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on earth,” said John F. Kirby, a senior national security official.
New Intelligence Unveiled
The revelation of this new intelligence followed a public warning by Rep. Michael Turner, who voiced concern over a “serious national security threat.”
The administration has denied allegations of not taking this threat seriously enough. Despite this, Turner’s comments led to increased scrutiny over the antisatellite weapon, with journalists revealing further details. President Biden has since ordered a diplomatic push in response.
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