Russia's Putin signals push for space war with nuclear anti‑satellite weapons

Security experts warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing a conflict in space. According to intelligence reports, Russia is developing a nuclear payload for placement on a low‑orbit satellite that could destroy up to 80% of active satellites, crippling global internet, mobile communications and GPS. The Kremlin is also using existing satellites to jam and interfere with Western satellite links, disrupt GPS signals in the Baltic region and launch kinetic projectiles toward rival assets. Western militaries, including the UK’s Space Command and German defence officials, have reported repeated attempts by Russian systems to jam or intercept their satellite communications.

Russia’s orbital fleet has shrunk to roughly 370 satellites, far fewer than the United States’ 11,000 and China’s 1,000. This asymmetry, analysts say, makes Moscow more willing to risk unpredictable hybrid attacks, while NATO expands its own space commands in response. The potential deployment of a nuclear anti‑satellite weapon and ongoing satellite harassment raise concerns about a new dimension of geopolitical tension beyond Earth’s atmosphere.