NATO has raised concerns that Russia could soon deploy nuclear weapons in space, according to a report published by the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the alliance is aware that Russia is considering the deployment of nuclear weapons in space. He emphasized that Russia’s current space capabilities are outdated and cannot be compared to those of the West.
“The development of nuclear weapons in space could enhance Russia’s capabilities, and that is a major concern,” Rutte said.
The report highlights that Russia’s anti-satellite weapons are not directed at Earth, but rather at satellites. Destroying satellites could cause chaos on the planet, as many vital systems depend on satellite operations.
Rutte also warned of the potential violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which obliges signatory states to use space for peaceful purposes. This treaty has been ratified by most countries, including Russia and the United States.
The NATO Secretary General stressed that space competition has become much more intense in recent years, making the space environment more crowded, dangerous, and unpredictable than ever before. He added that this impacts not only the commercial sector but also global defense and security.
Moreover, according to the report, NATO updated its policy in 2021, stating that its collective defense clause under Article 5 also applies to attacks originating from space.
