White House says Russia developing ‘troubling’ anti-satellite weapon, but poses no current threat
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The White House publicly confirmed that Russia has obtained a “troubling” emerging anti-satellite weapon but said it cannot directly cause “physical destruction” on Earth.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said US intelligence officials have information that Russia has obtained the capability but that such a weapon is not currently operational.
US officials are analysing the information they have on the emerging technology and have consulted with allies and partners on the matter.
“First this is not an active capability that’s been deployed and though Russia’s pursuit of this particular capability is troubling, there is no immediate threat to anyone’s safety,” Kirby said on Thursday. “We’re not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth.”
The White House confirmed its intelligence after a vague warning Wednesday from the Republican head of the House Intelligence Committee, Ohio congressman Mike Turner, urged the Biden administration to declassify information about what he called a serious national security threat.
Kirby said that the process of reviewing and declassifying aspects of the Russian capability was under way when Turner “regrettably” released his statement.