Russia is developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon

Russia is developing a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon, according to U.S. officials per NYT.

House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner has urged the Biden administration to declassify information concerning what he described as a "serious national security threat," later reported to involve Russian intentions to deploy nuclear weapons in space.

In his statement, Turner, a Republican from Ohio, did not provide specifics about the alleged security threat.

When asked about Turner's statement, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed surprise and mentioned a planned meeting with the "gang of eight" (congressional leaders with special security clearance) on Thursday but did not elaborate on the agenda.

According to reports from ABC News and the New York Times citing unnamed sources, the security concern Turner mentioned relates to Russia's potential deployment of a nuclear anti-satellite weapon in space. The New York Times noted that US allies had also been briefed on the intelligence, which was not considered an imminent threat, as the purported Russian capability was still in development.

It remains unclear whether this new intelligence alert is connected to a Russian Soyuz rocket launch on February 9 carrying a classified defense ministry payload.

Hans Kristensen, director of the nuclear information project at the Federation of American Scientists, mentioned that Russia has been conducting experiments with maneuvering satellites that could potentially be intended for sabotaging other satellites. He emphasized that deploying nuclear weapons in space would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, to which Russia is a signatory.

Pavel Podvig, an expert on Russian nuclear forces, expressed skepticism, stating that while it's impossible to completely rule out such a possibility, he finds it implausible.

Kristensen suggested that the purported Russian threat to deploy nuclear weapons in space could be a strategic move by Vladimir Putin to pressure the US and its allies to end their military support for Ukraine.

Daryl Kimball, head of the Arms Control Association, argued that a nuclear anti-satellite weapon would be unnecessary, as satellites are delicate and can be disrupted without a nuclear detonation. He also emphasized that such an action would be illegal.

House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to reassure the public, stating that there is no need for alarm over the alleged threat. He emphasized that efforts are underway to address the situation, and there are "steady hands at the wheel."