The United States has expressed its belief that Russia might be in the process of developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon, a development that could potentially disrupt various communication systems, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke on Tuesday.
The source, preferring anonymity, indicated an understanding that the proposed system would entail the placement of a nuclear explosive device into orbit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that Russia opposes the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, and his defense minister outright denied reports suggesting that Russia was working on a nuclear capability for space.
Both the White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to offer any comments on the matter.
Reports regarding potential Russian advancements surfaced following a cryptic statement from the Republican chair of the US House of Representatives intelligence committee on February 14, raising concerns about a "serious national security threat."
The strongest indication publicly available suggesting that Washington believes Moscow is pursuing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon was a statement from a White House spokesperson last Thursday, asserting that the United States views the system under development as a violation of the Outer Space Treaty.
This treaty, established in 1967, prohibits signatories, including Russia and the United States, from placing "in orbit around the earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction."
Already strained US-Russian relations face further tension due to various issues, prominently Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has led to the most significant confrontation between the West and Russia since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
According to The New York Times, a warning has been circulating from America's intelligence agencies in recent weeks, suggesting that Russia might be planning a clandestine military satellite launch, raising questions about the potential deployment of an actual nuclear weapon into space.
Additionally, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Russia could potentially deploy a nuclear weapon or a simulated warhead into space as early as this year, citing unnamed sources. The report also indicated that while the United States does not anticipate a deliberate detonation of the device, there is a risk of accidental explosion, which could disable numerous satellites.
Both the White House and the Office of the Director of Intelligence refrained from providing comments on the Bloomberg report.
