# Global development of space-based weaponry > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-development-of-space-based-weaponry > Updated: 2026-10-27T20:56:45.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Recent intelligence and security analyses highlight the increasing development of space-based capabilities by major powers. A report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) indicates that Russia is developing weapons designed to disable Western satellites, potentially disrupting NATO military operations and civilian infrastructure. This development focuses on directed energy and electronic warfare technologies. Experts have noted that such an attack could be compared to a ‘cosmic Pearl Harbor’ due to its potential to paralyze communications, reconnaissance, and navigation. Simultaneously, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has warned that China has significantly expanded its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellite fleet, which has tripled since 2018. The DIA anticipates that China may deploy space-based directed energy weapons, such as lasers or high-powered microwaves, by the end of the decade. These systems could be used to disrupt, degrade, or cause non-reversible damage to orbital assets. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-27: China expands satellite fleet and directed energy capabilities, DIA warns The DIA reports that China has tripled its ISR satellite fleet since 2018 and may deploy space-based directed energy weapons by the late 2020s to threaten satellite security. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-expands-satellite-fleet-and-directed-energy-capabilities-dia-warns ### 2026-10-23: Russia develops space-based weapons to target Western satellites A RUSI analysis warns that Russia is developing space-based weapons, including directed energy and electronic warfare, to target Western satellites and disrupt NATO military and civilian infrastructure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-develops-space-based-weapons-to-target-western-satellites --- Cite as: Global development of space-based weaponry. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-development-of-space-based-weaponry