NATO warns of Russian threat to space security and satellites
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed concern about the possibility of Russia engaging in military actions in space in the future, including employing 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 create chaos on Earth.
- The 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space. Rutte warns that any Russian actions would breach this treaty.
- NATO is adapting to new space challenges by developing smaller, more agile satellites and establishing national command centres.
"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 noted by the "Welt" portal, nuclear anti-satellite weapons would not be used against ground targets 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 actions would violate the provisions of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
He believes that 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 countries are responding to these challenges by exchanging intelligence and creating national space command centres. He added that smaller, more mobile, and better-protected satellites are also being developed.
In the interview, Rutte also addressed 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."
