The United States Department of Defense warns that Russia’s anti-satellite weapons pose a serious challenge to the security of the United States and its partners. This assessment was reported by TASS, the Russian news agency.
During a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, General Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command, characterized Russia’s anti-satellite capabilities as a genuine threat to U.S. national security. He warned that these capabilities could disrupt the operations of U.S. space and missile defense commands. Despite the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the impact of economic sanctions, officials say Moscow remains committed to advancing anti-satellite weapons.
On February 21, Washington informed its allies that Russia might be capable of deploying nuclear or mock warheads into space within the year, raising concerns about strategic stability in space operations.
Two days later, on February 23, the United States urged Russia to refrain from placing anti-satellite weapons in orbit, highlighting the risk to space-based infrastructure and allied security interests.
On February 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented publicly on the issue, offering his perspective on this evolving area of strategic competition.
According to the same timeframe, China criticized U.S. actions that appear to militarize space, signaling a broader geopolitical debate about outer space as a potential arena for power projection.
Earlier statements from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu raised questions about the use of NATO satellites in relation to Ukraine’s military operations, prompting further discussion about the alignment of space resources with national security goals.
Experts caution that the rapid development of anti-satellite capabilities by major powers requires close monitoring of strategic intent, compliance with international norms, and robust defenses to protect critical space infrastructure. This ongoing conversation underscores the stakes for space safety, navigation, and communications that modern governments rely on every day. (Source: TASS, U.S. Department of Defense statements, Senate testimony, and official communications from allied partners)