What impact will Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons in space have?

On February 14, 2024, suspicions that ``Russia is attempting to deploy nuclear weapons in space'' were reported . Spencer Warren , a security researcher at the University of California, San Diego, explains the impact of Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons in space.

Is Russia looking to put nukes in space? Doing so would undermine global stability and ignite an anti-satellite arms race
https://theconversation.com/is-russia-looking-to-put-nukes-in-space-doing-so-would-undermine-global-stability-and-ignite-an-anti-satellite-arms-race- 223702

According to reports, Russia is proceeding with plans to deploy nuclear weapons in outer space to counter satellite weapons. The day after the report, John Kirby, the U.S. Coordinator for Strategic Public Affairs, confirmed that there was information that Russia was deploying anti-satellite weapons, while stating that there was 'no imminent threat to security.' . On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on February 20, 2024, ``I am firmly opposed to the deployment of nuclear weapons in space,'' denying the existence of any plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space.

Russia has ratified the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in space. However, given that major powers such as Russia and the United States have suspended implementation of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and abolished the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Warren has continued to refrain from deploying weapons to space. It is pointed out that this is not necessarily the case.

When deploying nuclear weapons in space, the attack target is either a ``target on Earth'' or ``an artificial satellite in orbit.'' Launching a nuclear-tipped missile from space toward a target on Earth has the drawbacks of being easily detected by radar and intercepted by missile defense systems, but it is highly effective as a deterrent. Masu. Warren also points out that attacks from space could be useful for ``preemptive strikes against nuclear launch systems and communication systems on Earth.''

According to Warren, the most realistic use of nuclear weapons deployed in space is ``destroying enemy military satellites and ranging satellites such as GPS.'' To destroy a military satellite, it is not necessary to hit it directly with a nuclear weapon; just detonating it near the target and irradiating it with a large amount of gamma rays can cause the satellite to malfunction.

If Russia deploys even one nuclear weapon in outer space, an arms race involving other countries could begin, such as ``The United States will deploy it against Russia, and China will deploy it against it...'' There is enough sexuality. Mr. Warren also pointed out that ``It is difficult to distinguish between offensive and defensive weapons, and defensive weapons can also be used for attacks.'' has warned that the deployment of nuclear weapons could lead to an arms race.