Reports suggesting Russia's intentions to deploy nuclear weapons in space have been met with skepticism from experts who emphasize the need for a measured response. Despite the concerns raised by the head of the US House of Representatives’ intelligence committee, Mike Turner, experts argue that the situation is not cause for immediate alarm.
The controversy unfolded when Turner called for the declassification of information regarding what he labeled a "serious national security threat." Although no specific details were provided, subsequent reports, citing unnamed sources, hinted at Russia's potential deployment of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon in space. The Kremlin promptly dismissed these claims as a "malicious fabrication."
Dr. Bleddyn Bowen, an associate professor at the University of Leicester specializing in outer space international relations and warfare, emphasized the lack of concrete information and urged calm. He stated, "It’s so vague and cryptic; it could be a number of different things. [But] no matter what they are, none of them are a big deal, to be honest. Everyone needs to calm down about this."
Legal restrictions, such as the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and the New Start treaty, prohibit the use or presence of nuclear weapons in space. Despite these agreements, Bowen noted that the rumored threat may involve nuclear-tipped anti-satellite weapons, a technology that has been in existence since the 1950s.
Another possibility raised by Bowen is space-based nuclear weapons capable of disabling satellites, an idea previously explored by Russia in the 1960s and 1970s but deemed impractical and costly.
Bowen highlighted the drawbacks of detonating a nuclear weapon in space, including vulnerability to attacks from other nations and the indiscriminate damage caused by electromagnetic pulses. Such damage could impact satellite services, affecting crucial systems on Earth, from telecommunications to satellite navigation.
While acknowledging Russia's possession of alternative technologies, including a tested direct-ascent anti-satellite missile, experts like James Green, a professor of public international law at the University of the West of England, remain skeptical about the likelihood of deploying such systems. Green suggested that Russia might seek to project its space power beyond its actual capabilities.