Russia to build space-based nuclear weapons

The U.S. alerts Congress and European allies of Russian developments in space-based nuclear weaponry, raising concerns about potential threats to satellite infrastructure

The U.S. has notified Congress and European allies regarding Russia’s progress in developing a new space-based nuclear weapon aimed at jeopardizing the U.S.’ extensive satellite infrastructure.

This satellite-destruction weapon, if put into operation, poses a threat to civilian communications, space surveillance and military command-and-control operations conducted by the U.S. and its allies. According to a former official, the U.S. currently lacks the capability to counter such a weapon and protect its satellite assets.

Previously, the digital newspaper Politico had indicated among the main hypotheses the hypersonic missile 3 M22 Zirkon, which has a range between 400 and 1,000 kilometers and can fly at a speed of up to 9,800 kilometers per hour (Mach 8), evading defense systems and hitting targets’ naval and land.

So far, only Russia has these carriers at its disposal, which are still in the experimental phase in the U.S. Entering into service last year on board the Russian frigate Admiral Golovko, the Zirkon was developed in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty and was used for the first time on Feb. 7 in Ukraine.

Source: Newsroom

#haber#