NATO is concerned that Russia is seeking to deploy nuclear weapons in space, a development that could threaten the thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth that are crucial to defense as well as people’s daily lives, the alliance’s chief said.
“We are aware of reports that Russia is examining the possibility of placing nuclear weapons in space,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag in an interview published Saturday. Welt is a sister publication of POLITICO in the Axel Springer Group.
“The development of nuclear weapons in space is a way for Russia to improve its capabilities,” Rutte said. “This is very worrying,” he stressed.
“Space is also very important for our deterrence and defense — just as important as land, sea, air and cyberspace,” Rutte told the newspaper. “In recent years, space has become increasingly crowded, dangerous and unpredictable. We know that competition in space is fierce,” he said.
If Moscow were to deploy nuclear weapons in space, it could threaten hundreds of satellites, not just those being used by Kyiv and its allies to defend Ukraine against Russia’s all-out invasion.
With about 7,000 satellites currently orbiting the planet, “space-based systems directly affect our way of life,” said Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister. “They ensure, for example, that mobile phones, banking services and weather forecasts work.”
An international agreement preventing an arms race in outer space came into force in 1967, with 114 signing — including Russia. Still, it doesn’t completely rule out military activities in space and, critics argue, might not adequately address the dangers that emanate from modern satellite systems.
“NATO allies are adapting to the challenges in space, including sharing intelligence and establishing national space command centers, but also developing smaller satellites that are more maneuverable and better protected,” Rutte said.
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