Russia develops space-based weapons to target Western satellites

A new analysis by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) warns that Russia is developing weapons capable of disabling large numbers of Western satellites, potentially disrupting NATO military operations and civilian infrastructure. The study, authored by security analyst Sidharth Kaushal, suggests Moscow may prioritize the qualitative improvement of existing weapons, specifically focusing on directed energy and electronic warfare technologies to target space infrastructure.

Security experts have compared the potential impact of such an attack to a ‘cosmic Pearl Harbor,’ noting that it could paralyze military communications, reconnaissance, and navigation. Concerns have been heightened by recent maneuvers by a Russian satellite near the commercial satellite of the company ICEYE. The development of these capabilities is viewed as a strategic move to weaken the technological advantage held by the United States and its allies.