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Russian President Vladimir Putin may be considering a strategy for attacks against satellites in space, a development that could have far-reaching global consequences, according to a statement by a senior US military official.
General Stephen Whiting, head of the US Space Command, told The Times newspaper that the US administration is "very concerned" about the Kremlin's possible plans.
He noted that Russia could be looking to deploy an anti-satellite nuclear weapon in orbit, which would endanger satellites in low Earth orbit. “ That is a scenario we cannot accept ,” Whiting said.
According to him, Russia remains an advanced power in space and continues to invest in so-called counter-space capabilities.
Asked about the reasons for such a strategy, Whiting stated that from the Russian perspective, the US and NATO have superiority in conventional weapons. In this context, developing means to neutralize the West's space capabilities is seen as a way to balance the battlefield.
The general did not comment on the US sources of information for these assessments. If confirmed, these developments would constitute a significant violation of the Outer Space Treaty, which Russia is a signatory to.
Whiting added that Russian activities also include interference with satellite communications and GPS signals on a scale that could even endanger civil aviation.
In this context, European Union and NATO leaders discussed increasing arms production in Europe, amid rising tensions and uncertainty over US commitment to the alliance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that "we need to invest more, produce more and do it faster."
European countries are trying to strengthen their military capabilities in the face of Russia's war in Ukraine and pressure from Washington to increase defense spending.
NATO allies have pledged to increase basic defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, although concerns remain about the ability of the European defense industry to meet these demands.
NATO officials emphasize that the alliance should focus on its core strengths, including coordination of funding and military planning.
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