US Warns of Growing Space Weapon Threats from Russia and China

US military and intelligence officials are raising alarms about Russia and China's increasing moves towards deploying space-based weapons, which could jeopardize American national security. These concerns were voiced at the Aspen Security Forum, highlighting the urgency to monitor and address these evolving threats in space.

US military and intelligence officials have sounded alarms over Russia and China's escalating activities in space, warning that both nations are likely to deploy space-based weapons soon, posing a significant threat to American national security, Voice of America reported. These concerns were shared during a discussion at the annual Aspen Security Forum on Wednesday, where US military leaders emphasized the dangers of the evolving space strategies of these global powers.

Lieutenant General Jeff Kruse, Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), highlighted the growing intention of both Russia and China to leverage space for advanced military capabilities. "I would highlight the increasing intent to use counterspace capabilities," Kruse said during the forum. "Both Russia and China view the use of space, even ahead of conflict, as crucial capabilities to deter or compel behaviors," he elaborated. Kruse's remarks pointed to a significant shift in how space is perceived as a strategic domain with serious military implications.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner earlier this year called for the declassification of information concerning a new Russian anti-satellite weapon involving nuclear technology. Turner cautioned that Russia may be close to developing the capacity to detonate a nuclear weapon in space, which would be costly for US military and economic interests. "The US is sleepwalking into a disaster," Turner asserted. In response, the White House acknowledged Russia's space weaponisation efforts but noted that Moscow has not yet deployed such capabilities, as reported by Voice of America.

Kruse reiterated this stance, informing that while Russia has been developing nuclear capabilities for space over the past decade, they have not yet reached a deployable stage. "We've been tracking Russia's intent to place a nuclear weapon in space for nearly ten years," Kruse said. He warned that Russia remains committed to this agenda despite not having reached full deployment. "The Russians don't intend to slow down and will continue unless there are repercussions," Kruse emphasized.

Russia and China have dismissed these US allegations. In May, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called concerns about Moscow's space weaponization plans as "fake news." Likewise, the Chinese Embassy in Washington rejected claims of aggressive behavior in space. "China always advocates for the peaceful use of outer space and opposes weaponizing space," said Chinese spokesperson Liu Pengyu. Liu accused the US of creating a threatening narrative to justify its own military buildup.

Despite these denials, Kruse pointed out China's rapid space expansion. "They're in multiple orbits they were not in before," he said, noting China's investment in directed energy weapons, electronic warfare, and anti-satellite technology. He further detailed China's strategic space initiatives, emphasizing the country's thorough space doctrine and exercises. General Stephen Whiting of US Space Command also warned of China's space advancements. "China is building a 'kill web' in space," Whiting stated, highlighting China's tripling of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites over the past six years.

Whiting also underscored the importance of maintaining communication and ensuring space safety amid these developments. "We want to have a way to talk to them about space safety as they put more satellites on orbit," he said. "So that we can operate effectively and avoid any miscommunication or unintended actions," Voice of America reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)