What is the space-based nuclear weapon the US says Russia is developing?

The precise nature of the weapon – and whether or not it really exists – is unclear. However threatening satellites might trigger all types of mischief – undermining communications, surveillance, intelligence and command and management all over the world, together with within the nuclear sphere.

It’s unclear why Russia would want to make use of nuclear weapons to destroy a satellite tv for pc. The New York Instances stated america doesn’t have the flexibility to counter such a weapon. Following is what is understood and never recognized.

WHAT DOES THE U.S. SAY?The US has informed Congress and allies in Europe about new intelligence associated to Russian nuclear capabilities that might pose a global risk, a supply briefed on the matter informed Reuters on Wednesday.

The brand new capabilities, associated to Russian makes an attempt to develop a space-based weapon, don’t pose an pressing risk to america, the supply stated. Sources later stated the warning was associated to Russian capabilities in area and to satellites. One of many sources stated the problem was critical however was not associated to an energetic functionality nor ought to or not it’s a trigger for panic. Citing a present and a former U.S. official, the New York Instances reported earlier that the brand new intelligence was associated to Russia’s makes an attempt to develop a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. ABC Information additionally reported that the intelligence needed to do with such a functionality. Present and former officers stated the nuclear weapon was not in orbit.

HOW DID IT COME TO LIGHT? The intelligence got here to gentle after Consultant Mike Turner, Republican chair of the U.S. Home of Representatives intelligence committee, issued an uncommon and cryptic assertion on Wednesday warning of a “critical nationwide safety risk”.

NUKES IN SPACE?Russia and america are by far the largest nuclear powers: collectively their arsenals maintain about 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons, and each have superior navy satellites orbiting the Earth.

Within the early years of the Chilly Conflict, after Russia leaped forward within the area race and either side developed intercontinental ballistic missiles, the West proposed a treaty to outlaw nuclear weapons in area.

The eventual outcome was the 1967 Outer House Treaty which bans placing any weapons of mass destruction into orbit or outer area.

The US casts Russia and China as its greatest nation-state opponents and says each are creating a variety of recent weapons techniques, together with nuclear, cyber and area capabilities.

Russia says the post-Chilly Conflict dominance of america is crumbling and that Washington has for years sown chaos throughout the planet whereas ignoring the pursuits of different powers. Moscow says america too is creating a bunch of recent weapons.

WHAT DID RUSSIA SAY?Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of such a weapon however it has dismissed the U.S. warning as a “malicious fabrication” and a trick by the White Home geared toward getting U.S. lawmakers to approve more cash to counter Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated he wouldn’t touch upon the substance of the stories till the small print have been unveiled by the White Home. However he stated Washington’s warning was clearly an try and get Congress to approve more cash.

“It’s apparent that the White Home is making an attempt, by some means, to encourage Congress to vote on a invoice to allocate cash, that is apparent,” Peskov stated. “We’ll see what tips the White Home will use.”

Deputy Overseas Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Moscow’s level man on arms management, accused america of “malicious fabrication”, the TASS information company reported.

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