BRUSSELS – NATO is increasingly concerned that Russia may soon deploy nuclear weapons in space, warned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a statement published Saturday by Welt am Sonntag, cited by DPA. According to Rutte, the Alliance is aware that such a scenario is being considered by Moscow, raising serious security implications for global stability.
Although Russia’s current space capabilities are described by Rutte as outdated and lagging behind those of the West, the development of space-based nuclear arms—specifically anti-satellite weapons—could drastically alter the balance of power. These weapons, while not intended for direct use on Earth, are designed to destroy or disable satellites, many of which are critical for global communications, navigation, and defense systems. Their destruction could plunge the planet into widespread chaos.
Rising Tensions and Legal Concerns
Rutte also emphasized that deploying such weapons would likely violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which mandates that space be used solely for peaceful purposes. Both Russia and the United States are among its signatories. The NATO chief noted that in recent years, the race for dominance in outer space has intensified, becoming more aggressive and unpredictable.
“Space is becoming more crowded, dangerous, and competitive—not just in commercial terms, but as a matter of defense and international security,” Rutte stated. He stressed the growing overlap between military and commercial interests in space.
NATO Prepared to Respond
Importantly, Rutte reminded the public that Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty—NATO’s mutual defense clause—also applies to attacks originating from or targeting space. This clarification underscores NATO’s readiness to treat any such act as an assault on the entire Alliance.
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