U.S. Space Command Leader Concerned Russia Developing a Nuclear Anti-Satellite Weapon
Gen. Whiting cited unconfirmed intelligence reports on Russia’s capabilities.
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.
