US concerned Russia developing ‘nuclear space weapon’

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - The White House is concerned that Russia is in the process of developing a nuclear-powered space weapon, US media reported on Saturday.

According to CNN, Kremlin is trying to develop a nuclear space weapon that could destroy satellites “by creating a massive energy wave when detonated.”

The prospective weapon would potentially destroy means of global communications, including internet and cellphone networks, CNN quoted sources familiar with US intelligence as saying.

On Wednesday, the White House first disclosed that Russia is developing anti-satellite capabilities.

Speaking to reporters, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the concerns are “related to an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing.”

The kind of nuclear space weapon Russia is allegedly developing is known by military space experts as a “nuclear EMP,” or electromagnetic pulse, CNN said.

The EMP “would create a pulse of electromagnetic energy and a flood of highly charged particles that would tear through space to disrupt other satellites winging around Earth,” it added.

“The Defense Department and the intelligence community have tracked Russian efforts to develop a broad range of anti-satellite weapons, including an EMP, for years,” it said.

At a Wednesday press conference, Kirby said no active capability has been deployed and there is no immediate threat to anyone's safety.

"We're not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth," he added.

The US has been closely "monitoring this Russian activity and we will continue to take it very seriously," said Kirby, adding that President Joe Biden has been kept fully informed and regularly informed by his national security team.

US House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner warned Wednesday of a "serious national security threat," and demanded Biden publicly release all information concerning the threat.