The White House has stated that Russia is currently developing a space-based anti-satellite weapon that is concerning, but does not pose an immediate threat. National security spokesman John Kirby confirmed that US intelligence officials have information about Russia’s development of this technology, but clarified that the weapon is not yet operational. The US is currently analyzing the information and consulting with allies in Europe.
Kirby emphasized that although Russia’s pursuit of this capability is troubling, there is no immediate danger to anyone’s safety. He did not comment on reports that the weapon is nuclear-capable or nuclear-powered, but he did confirm that it is “space-based” and not meant for attacking human beings or causing physical destruction on Earth.
Moscow dismissed the US claims as a “malicious fabrication,” suggesting that the White House is using this as a ploy to secure the passage of a Ukrainian aid package through Congress. The US and the United Kingdom previously accused Russia of testing a space weapon in 2020, which Russia labeled as propaganda.
Kirby warned that the weapon could pose a threat to astronauts in low orbit and potentially disrupt military and civilian satellites. This would also violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in space. More than 130 countries, including Russia and the US, have signed the treaty.
Experts have noted that the US currently lacks the capability to counter such a weapon. President Joe Biden has been informed about the threat and has requested direct diplomatic engagement with Moscow regarding this issue.
Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner, issued a warning about the serious national security threat posed by this weapon and called for the declassification of all information related to it. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan briefed lawmakers on the matter, and Turner and House Speaker Mike Johnson both stated that the administration is taking the threat seriously and has a plan in place to address it.
The US considers Russia and China as its biggest nation-state competitors and believes that both countries are developing various new weapons systems, including nuclear, cyber, and space capabilities.
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