U.S. Confirms Russian Development of Space-Based Nuclear Anti-Satellite Weapon

The revelation raises concerns over treaty violations and the potential for a new arms race amid deteriorating U.S.-Russia relations.

Fresh U.S. intelligence indicates Russia is developing an anti-satellite weapon in space with a nuclear component, raising concerns of violating the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
The White House confirmed the Russian system under development could ignite an arms race and violate international treaties banning weapons of mass destruction in space.
Relations between the U.S. and Russia are at their lowest in decades, amidst Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine and global shifts in nuclear strategy.
Experts argue that deploying nuclear weapons in space could destabilize strategic stability and spark a new arms race, with potential for preemptive nuclear strikes.
Critics deem the idea of space-based nuclear weapons as impractical and illegal under international law, highlighting the risks to global satellite infrastructure and the potential for uncontrollable consequences.