A recent report suggests that American intelligence may be tracking a space-focused weapon developed in the Russian Federation, possibly powered by a nuclear energy source. Reuters provided the initial briefing on this topic.
Early interpretations speculated that Russian engineers were constructing a nuclear warhead. Analysts who monitor Moscow’s space program, however, questioned the credibility of that claim, noting several unresolved technical questions.
According to one document, the space threat may not be a nuclear warhead at all. Instead, it is described as a potent device that could rely on nuclear energy to operate across space and interfere with satellites.
Such systems might include means to jam communications or to generate electromagnetic pulses. An EMP could disrupt satellite hardware within certain orbital regions, potentially affecting a broad swath of space assets.
Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, commented that Russian policy discussions appear to be focused on orbital electronic warfare capabilities. He stressed that there has not been official confirmation of a new nuclear warhead being developed for space use.
ABC News reported on February 14 that Moscow may be planning to place nuclear devices in orbit, citing unnamed sources. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded by suggesting that the American narrative is a strategic maneuver rather than a substantiated plan.
Earlier remarks from a member of the Russian Federation Council described U.S. intelligence claims about Russian nuclear weapons in space as a bogeyman, signaling skepticism about the scale and immediacy of the threat.