US Concerned Russia May Use Inspection Satellites As Offensive Weapons - Intel Report

Russia is developing enhanced on-orbit dual-use technology that can be used to attack and permanently disable satellites, the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said in a new report

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th February, 2019) Russia is developing enhanced on-orbit dual-use technology that can be used to attack and permanently disable satellites, the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said in a new report.

"Russia continues to research and develop sophisticated on-orbit capabilities that could serve dual-use purposes," the report, entitled, "Challenges to Securities in Space," said on Monday. "Inspection and servicing satellites... could also be used to approach another country's satellite and conduct an attack that results in temporary or permanent damage.

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In addition, Russia and China, the report warned, were enhancing counter-space capabilities that would challenge the US military's dominance in that domain. The report also accused Russia and China of pushing proposals that limit the militarization of space but leave room for both countries to build counter-space weaponry.

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans placing weapons of mass destruction into space or installing such weapons on celestial bodies. The treaty has been ratified by more than 100 countries including the United States, Russia, China, and North Korea.