The United States has informed Congress and its allies in Europe about Russian advances on a new, space-based nuclear weapon designed to threaten America’s extensive satellite network, according to current and former officials briefed on the matter. Such a satellite-killing weapon, if deployed, could destroy civilian communications, surveillance from space and military command-and control operations by the United States and its allies. At the moment, the United States does not have the ability to counter such a weapon and defend its satellites, a former official said. But since Russia does not appear close to deploying the weapon, they said, it is not considered an urgent threat. He called on the Biden administration to declassify the information without saying specifically what it was.

Source: New York Times February 15, 2024 09:34 UTC