US General Warns of Russia's Potential Nuclear Space Weapon Development

US Space Command Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting cited reports indicating Russia's continued investment in counter-space weapon development, despite economic sanctions, and its potential consideration of deploying a nuclear anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon in orbit. Whiting noted that such a move by Russia would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, to which the nation is a signatory, and could jeopardize satellites belonging to all countries in low Earth orbit.

Whiting warned that if Russia's development of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon becomes a reality, it could disrupt global communications, GPS systems, and daily life worldwide.

Meanwhile, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner likened Russia's space weapon threat to a "Cuban Missile Crisis in space," issuing a warning to the Biden administration.