What Happened
Russian Program Could Disable Thousands of Satellites Worldwide
The US Defense Intelligence Agency has reported that Russia is developing a satellite designed to carry a nuclear weapon, which could disable thousands of spacecraft and disrupt services worldwide. The potential damage would extend beyond military networks to commercial communications, navigation, and weather monitoring. According to the agency, a nuclear detonation in space could cause the rapid loss or degradation of satellites belonging to governments and companies around the world. The report was published in the DIA’s ‘Challenges to Security in Space 2026’ and was first reported by Defence Industry Europe.