In the face of Moscow's increasingly aggressive attitude, NATO is increasingly preparing to In the future wars can besides take place in space — invisible from Earth, but with far-reaching consequences for coexistence on our planet.
— Space systems straight influence the way we live, for example by providing mobile phones, banking services and weather forecasts,” admits Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, in an interview with Die Welt. - But Space is besides very crucial to our deterrence and defence, as crucial as land, sea, air and cyberspace.
The competition for influence in space is increasing
— In fresh years space has become increasingly crowded, dangerous and unpredictable. We know that the competition in space is fierce, and it's getting tougher. And not just in commercial terms. It affects all our safety," Rutte said.
Many countries, specified as the US and Germany, are already responding to this. In fresh years, they have formed their own alleged Space Commands as part of their armed forces to defend the alliance. Space has long played a function in NATO's defence plans.
In 2021. The Alliance has decided that the work to supply assistance under Article 5 besides applies to attacks in space or from space. In addition, Ramstein in Rhineland-Palatinate was created NATO Space Centerwhere space surveillance is coordinated. Information on possible threats from satellites is collected there.
The danger situation may increase in the future. — We are aware of the reports that Russia is considering putting atomic weapons in space. “ Rutte admits. However, it states that Moscow's capabilities are "obsolete" and do not match Western capabilities. — That is why The improvement of atomic weapons in space is for Russia a way to improve your capabilities. This is very disturbing,” says NATO Secretary-General.
"An amazing boom"
However, the alleged one. nuclear anti-satellite weaponsis not directed against Earth, but against satellites. They would be able to simultaneously shut down hundreds of about 7,000 satellites orbiting the Earth in low orbit and make Earth's orbit completely useless for a certain period of time. The consequence would be gigantic chaos on Earth.
However, Rutte warned that specified a mission would be a violation of the 1967 Space Treaty, a key global treaty ratified by 114 states, including Russia, which provides for peaceful usage of space and arms control in spacebut not complete demilitarisation. For NATO, it will be increasingly crucial to have the fullest image of the situation in space.
— NATO allies adapt to challenges in space, including sharing intelligence and the creation of national command centres Space. But besides the improvement of smaller satellites that are more responsive and better protected," said Rutte.
EPA/SYSOEV/SPUTnik/KREMLIN POOL/ PAPRussian president Vladimir Putin visits the Rocket-Space Company "Energy" in Korolów close Moscow, 26 October 2023.
Rutte sees that Space manufacture has experienced an “uncanny boom” in fresh years — not just due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. fresh technological developments offer fresh solutions for defence.
In this context, Rutte besides refers to the expanding importance of the Arctic, where China and Russia are increasingly utilizing fresh maritime routes and militarizing part of this area. — Satellites can aid us monitor movements on land and at sea, while at the same time provide our soldiers with reliable and safe communication — concluded the secretary-general.
