U.S. Space Command Leader Concerned Russia Developing a Nuclear Anti-Satellite Weapon

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 — The head of U.S. Space Command said the U.S. is "very concerned" that Russia may be developing a nuclear weapon in space to target satellites, citing unconfirmed reports from the intelligence community.

Gen. Stephen N. Whiting , the commander of U.S. Space Command, made the remarks during an appearance on The General & The Journalist, a weekly podcast by The Times.

"Russia remains a very historic and sophisticated space power. Yes, they have been hurt by economic sanctions, but they continue to invest in counter-space weapons, with the most concerning reports being that they are potentially thinking about placing on orbit a nuclear ASAT weapon," he said.

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A nuclear anti-satellite or ASAT weapon detonation in low-earth orbit could cripple satellite communications and GPS systems, disrupting everything from air travel to everyday cellular service. U.S. officials have raised concerns about such a weapon since at least February 2024.

“I won’t speak about our intelligence sources and methods, but obviously it’s a report that we’re very concerned about," Gen. Whiting added.

In November 2021, Russia sent a direct-ascent ASAT missile into low-Earth orbit which hit a Russian satellite and created over 1,500 pieces of orbital debris. U.S. Space Command said the debris could remain a hazard for years, if not decades. Russia has continued to test lasers and other counterspace weapons since then.