Russia may be considering the deployment of nuclear weapons in space in contravention of an international treaty, NATO’s secretary general has warned.
Mark Rutte said putting nuclear weapons into outer space would enable Russia to destroy hundreds of satellites in a single strike with devastating consequences for global security.
He told the Welt am Sonntag German weekly that such a deployment would constitute a serious violation of international agreements, in particular the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
The treaty was drawn up by the U.S. and U.S.S.R to curb the Cold War arms race and ensure the peaceful use of space.
Rutte told the paper that NATO is tackling emerging threats beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
He said the alliance is sharing intelligence between members and establishing new space commands as well as working to produce less vulnerable satellites in order to increase security.
He also said NATO is increasing satellite surveillance over the Arctic as both Russia and China are militarizing the region.
He told the Welt am Sonntag German weekly that such a deployment would constitute a serious violation of international agreements, in particular the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
The treaty was drawn up by the U.S. and U.S.S.R to curb the Cold War arms race and ensure the peaceful use of space.
Rutte told the paper that NATO is tackling emerging threats beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
He said the alliance is sharing intelligence between members and establishing new space commands as well as working to produce less vulnerable satellites in order to increase security.
He also said NATO is increasing satellite surveillance over the Arctic as both Russia and China are militarizing the region.
More In Politics MORE...
