NATO raises alarm: Russian nuclear threat looms in space
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed concern about the possibility that Russia might seek to engage in military actions in space in the future, including the use of nuclear weapons to destroy satellites.
What do you need to know?
- Russia may aim to use nuclear weapons in space, which raises concerns for NATO. Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasizes that such actions could destroy satellites and cause chaos on Earth.
- The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space. Rutte warns that any Russian actions would violate it.
- NATO is adapting to new space challenges, developing smaller, more agile satellites and establishing national command centers.
We are aware of reports that Russia is considering the possibility of placing nuclear weapons in space, and it is "very concerning," Rutte said in an interview with the German newspaper "Welt am Sonntag."
NATO warns about Russia – concerns over anti-satellite weapons
As pointed out by the "Welt" portal, so-called nuclear anti-satellite weapons would not target ground sites but would serve to attack satellites. Such weapons could simultaneously destroy hundreds of the approximately 7,000 satellites in low orbit, leading to serious disruptions on Earth.
Rutte emphasized that such a move would violate the provisions of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
In his opinion, the competition for dominance in space is becoming increasingly intense. "In recent years, space has become more crowded, dangerous, and unpredictable. We know that competition in space is fierce and is getting sharper. And it's not just in commercial terms. It affects our entire security," noted the NATO Secretary General.
NATO responds to the space race. Russia and China in focus
Rutte noted that NATO member states are responding to these challenges by exchanging intelligence and creating national space command centers, among other measures. As he added, smaller, more mobile, and better-protected satellites are also being developed.
In the interview, Rutte also referred to the situation in the Arctic, where, as he noted, China and Russia are increasingly militarizing the region and exploiting new shipping routes. "Satellites can help us monitor movements on land and sea, while also providing our soldiers with reliable and secure communication," Rutte stated in "Welt am Sonntag."
