NATO is concerned that Russia may be considering deploying nuclear weapons in space.

Source: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag

Details: He called this development "alarming".

NATO fears that Russia may also wage war in space in the future, using nuclear weapons against satellites. "We're aware of reports that Russia is exploring the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in space," the NATO secretary general said.

Rutte believes that Moscow's current capabilities in space are outdated and not on par with the West: "Developing nuclear weapons in space is, therefore, a way for Russia to improve its capabilities. This is a matter of great concern".

He also stated that this would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

The agreement was initiated by the United States and the Soviet Union and has since become part of international law. It is intended to ensure the peaceful use of outer space while prohibiting the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in orbit. The aim was to curb the arms race between the then-superpowers on Earth.

NATO Allies are now adapting to new challenges in space, Rutte explained. They are sharing intelligence, establishing national space commands and developing satellites that are smaller, more manoeuvrable and better protected. Space, he stressed, is crucial to NATO's deterrence and defence.

"In recent years, space has become increasingly crowded, dangerous and unpredictable. We know that the competition in space is fierce and getting fiercer. And not just in commercial terms. It affects our entire security," Rutte said.

For the first time, Rutte also announced the strengthening of satellite surveillance of the Arctic: "We see China and Russia increasingly using new sea lanes and militarising parts of the Arctic. Satellites can help us track movements on land and at sea and provide our troops with reliable and secure communications".

Background: 

• French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu noted that the space industry is a "vulnerability" for his country's military.
• Before that, European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius called for a European Space Shield to be established to unite defence efforts in space.

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