Pentagon Warns of Russian Nuclear Weapon Threatening Global Satellites

John Plumb, a top Pentagon space official, has confirmed that Russia is developing a concerning anti-satellite capability related to a new satellite carrying a nuclear device. The detonation of this Russian nuclear space weapon could render low-Earth orbit unusable for up to a year, posing a threat to satellites operated by countries and companies around the world.

The United States has been aware of Russia's pursuit of this capability for many months, if not years, and has gained a higher sense of confidence in recent weeks about how Russia continues to develop this technology. While the threat is not imminent at the moment, the Pentagon and the Biden administration are taking it "deadly seriously."

Last week, Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that would have reaffirmed the States Parties to the Outer Space Treaty not to put nuclear weapons in orbit around Earth. Plumb called Russia "hypocritical" and "unbelievable" for claiming it won't deploy weapons in space while refusing to sign the U.N. resolution, seeing this as an indication of Russia's continued pursuit of the anti-satellite capability.

Why this matters: The development of this Russian anti-satellite nuclear weapon threatens the operations of vital satellites worldwide that provide critical communications, scientific, meteorological, agricultural, commercial, and national security services. Its potential deployment could significantly disrupt these services for an extended period and escalate tensions in space.

The U.S. believes Russia is developing this destabilizing capability, which could significantly disrupt global satellite operations and services for an extended period if realized.

Key Takeaways

• Russia developing anti-satellite nuclear capability, could disrupt low-Earth orbit
• Detonation could render low-Earth orbit unusable for up to a year
• U.S. aware of Russia's pursuit of this capability for months/years
• Russia vetoed U.N. resolution against nuclear weapons in space, seen as indication
• Threat could significantly disrupt global satellite operations and services