NATO is concerned that Russia may be considering placing nuclear weapons in outer space to target satellites. Secretary General Mark Rutte warned of the possibility in an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
He said Moscow's capabilities in space are outdated in comparison with the West. "Therefore, the development of nuclear weapons in space is a way for Russia to improve its capabilities. This is very worrying."
Although the weapons would not target Earth, shooting down satellites could have serious consequences, as many systems we use rely on satellites, including navigation and communication systems, as well as environmental monitoring.
Rutte added that such a move by Russia would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, signed by the United States and the Soviet Union at the time. It still provides the framework of international space law and prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in space.
According to Rutte, NATO allies are adapting to the new challenges, exchanging intelligence and developing better protected satellites.
"In recent years, space has become increasingly crowded, dangerous, and unpredictable. We know that competition in space is fierce and becoming increasingly bitter. And not just in commercial terms. This affects our entire security," he said.
