By Kontur | 2025-04-16

NATO is sounding the alarm over reports that Russia may be exploring the deployment of nuclear weapons in space -- a move that could jeopardize thousands of satellites essential to global security and daily life.

"We are aware of reports that Russia is examining the possibility of placing nuclear weapons in space," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag on April 12. "The development of nuclear weapons in space is a way for Russia to improve its capabilities. This is very worrying."

Rutte emphasized the growing strategic importance of space, calling it "just as important as land, sea, air and cyberspace" for defense and deterrence.

"In recent years, space has become increasingly crowded, dangerous and unpredictable," he said. "We know that competition in space is fierce."

A Russian nuclear presence in orbit could imperil not only satellites used by Ukraine and its allies in the ongoing war but also a vast array of civilian and commercial systems.

"Space-based systems directly affect our way of life," Rutte said. "They ensure, for example, that mobile phones, banking services and weather forecasts work."

'Attack and defend' maneuvers

Both Russia and China have been busy honing their abilities to conduct attacks in space.

Last year, US officials confirmed that Russia was pursuing more-advanced, nuclear-capable anti-satellite weapon (ASATs) in direct violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST).

More recently, Russian satellites were recorded practicing "attack and defend" maneuvers, CNN reported March 16. A series of Russian satellites worked together to surround another satellite in low Earth orbit, demonstrating how they could potentially isolate and target a US or allied satellite.

China has conducted similar training exercises, testing satellite formation maneuvers, and is developing directed-energy weapons capable of striking and destroying satellites.

In response to mounting concerns about the potential of ASATs, the United States has pioneered a suite of counter-ASAT technologies including space-based sensors, jam-resistant satellite communications and satellite defense systems.

The United States became the first spacefaring nation to ban ASAT testing in April 2022, hoping to lead by example in scaling back the risks of an ASAT-focused arms race and the potential of further massive debris fields.

ASAT tests "jeopardize the long-term sustainability of outer space and imperil the exploration and use of space by all nations," a White House Fact Sheet announcing the decision explained.

While the 1967 OST -- signed by 114 countries including Russia -- bars the placement of nuclear weapons in orbit and aims to prevent an arms race in space, it does not prohibit all military activity in space and may fall short in addressing modern threats to satellite infrastructure.

In response to the evolving risks, NATO allies are stepping up coordination. Rutte noted efforts such as intelligence sharing, the creation of national space command centers, and the development of smaller, more-agile and resilient satellites.