NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has raised serious concerns about Russia's potential plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space, marking a new frontier in global security threats.
In a recent interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Rutte confirmed that NATO is tracking reports of Russia exploring options to place nuclear weapons in orbit around Earth. This development could pose risks to thousands of satellites critical for both military operations and civilian infrastructure.
"Space has become increasingly crowded, dangerous and unpredictable," Rutte stated, highlighting the growing competition in orbital operations. The NATO chief emphasized that space capabilities are now as strategically important as traditional domains like land, sea, air and cyberspace.
The possible deployment of space-based nuclear weapons could threaten approximately 7,000 satellites currently in orbit. These satellites support essential everyday services including mobile communications, banking operations, and weather forecasting systems.
While an international treaty from 1967 aims to prevent an arms race in space - with Russia among its 114 signatories - experts note that the agreement has limitations in addressing modern space-based military capabilities.
In response to these emerging threats, NATO member states are taking protective measures. These include enhancing intelligence sharing, establishing dedicated space command centers, and developing more agile, better-protected satellite systems.
The revelation comes amid ongoing tensions between NATO and Russia, adding another layer of complexity to international security relations. The potential militarization of space represents a new challenge for global stability and peaceful space exploration.