Russia Developing Space-Based Nuclear Weapon, US Sources Say

Facts

• Russia is said to be developing a nuclear weapon aimed at destroying satellites in space, according to US sources who spoke to several publications late on Wednesday.¹
• The reports came after Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH), chair of the House Intelligence Committee, issued an unspecified warning of a 'serious national security threat' facing the US, urging Pres. Joe Biden to declassify the intelligence to facilitate 'the actions necessary to respond.'²
• However, sources who spoke to the press said that, while it is a serious issue, intelligence does not represent a current capability nor should it be a cause for panic. There is currently no such weapon in orbit, they added.¹
• Some questioned the timing of Turner's statement. Politico reported that US intelligence had been aware of Russia's alleged plans for more than a year and the House Intelligence Committee had known for at least a week. The Senate Intelligence Committee also reportedly had access to the information.³
• US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed surprise as he said he had been scheduled to brief the 'Gang of Eight,' which includes leaders of both parties and top representatives of both chambers' intelligence committees. Though he didn't disclose the topic of the briefing, he said: 'I’ll leave it to you to draw whatever connections you want.'³
• Meanwhile, although there was no mention of a nuclear component, the US previously warned of a risk of Russian anti-satellite weapons as early as 2020. In 2021, Russia conducted a test of such a weapon on one of its own satellites, reportedly obliterating it into more than 1.5K pieces and prompting a public condemnation from US Space Command.⁴

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²BBC News, ³POLITICO and ⁴United States Space Command.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by NBC. While this weapon is not yet operational, it is a serious potential threat facing the US. Satellites are a critical component of America's civilian communications and navigation networks, as well as its military and intelligence-collecting capabilities. This danger has to be addressed.
• Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. This is yet another example of US officials using malicious tactics to hype up a threat so as to get exorbitant spending packages approved, in this case, to approve a further $60B of weapons for Ukraine. Moscow is no stranger to the games that Washington plays.

Predictions