Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites played a key role in slowing down the Russian invasion of Ukraine and still play a critical role in providing Ukrainian military communications at the front. Presumably, it is because of this that Russia is preparing to launch anti-satellite weapons into orbit, writes Washington Times.
The publication notes that the Russian-Ukrainian war demonstrated the fundamental importance of satellites in modern warfare, and it is extremely difficult for the Russians to neutralize this advantage of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The use of nuclear weapons in space could theoretically be a way out of the situation for Russia.
Russian troops have repeatedly tried to block Ukraine’s access to Starlink. But analysts say the attacker has not been as successful because the structure of Elon Musk’s satellites and their location – relatively closer to Earth than other satellites – make it difficult to neutralize the system with conventional weapons launched from Earth.
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But now—if controversial U.S. intelligence findings prove accurate—Russian President Vladimir Putin likely views the use of advanced anti-space weapons as the only reliable way to get rid of Starlink and other similar systems in future conflicts.
At the same time, experts fear that the effect of the use of anti-satellite weapons will go far beyond the battlefield in Ukraine and will have dire economic consequences for the whole world.
Some national security insiders worry that Putin could take such a drastic step if he ultimately faces certain defeat in Ukraine or otherwise feels squeezed by the West.
But the danger is not limited to Russia. Experts warn that China is also eyeing anti-satellite weapons as part of a much broader strategic plan. For example, Beijing might view a major attack in space as a way to neutralize its enemies before a full-scale ground invasion of Taiwan.
Russia is preparing to launch weapons into space: what is known
As UNIAN wrote, last week American intelligence informed the White House and Congress about a “serious threat” to national security posed by Russia.
At first, US officials were reluctant to publicly disclose details about the nature of the threat, but when information began to leak to the press, the White House issued a statement. It indicated that American intelligence was concerned about Russia’s possible attempts to create anti-satellite weapons, possibly nuclear weapons.
Russia denies that it is working on creating such a weapon.
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2024-02-22 13:44:00
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