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."

Unusual Whales does not confirm the information's truthfulness or accuracy of the associated references, data, and cannot verify any of the information. Any content on this site or related pages are not intended to provide legal, tax, investment or insurance advice. Unusual Whales Inc. is not registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or any state securities regulatory authority. Nothing on Unusual Whales should be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security by Unusual Whales or any third party. Options, investing, trading is risky, and losses are more expected than profits. Please do own research before investing. Please only subscribe after reading our full terms and understanding options and the market, and the inherent risks of trading. It is highly recommended not to trade on this, or any, information from Unusual Whales. Markets are risky, and you will likely lose some or all of your capital. Please check our terms for full details.
Any content on this site or related pages are not intended to provide legal, tax, investment or insurance advice. Unusual Whales Inc. is not registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or any state securities regulatory authority. Nothing on Unusual Whales should be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security by Unusual Whales or any third party. Certain investment planning tools available on Unusual Whales may provide general investment education based on your input. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation. See terms for more information.