Russia claims US wants to resuscitate ‘Star Wars’
(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has condemned US President Donald Trump’s recent directive to develop an American “Iron Dome” missile defense system, describing it as a destabilizing move towards weaponizing space. Issued earlier this week, Trump’s executive order calls for the creation of “space-based interceptors” as part of a broader missile defense strategy.
Zakharova warned that this move signals the US's intent to turn space into a battleground for armed conflict, contradicting previous efforts by the US to establish norms for peaceful space conduct. She further criticized the decision for potentially violating agreements that prohibit the testing of direct-ascent and satellite-killer missiles.
The new missile defense plan is seen as an escalation, comparable to President Reagan's “Star Wars” initiative from the Cold War era. Although Reagan’s missile shield program was never realized, Trump’s efforts represent an aggressive push to develop space-based military defenses.
Zakharova argued that these actions are meant to weaken Russia and China’s strategic deterrents, which she believes will only heighten tensions rather than promote dialogue or reduce strategic weaponry. She emphasized the importance of Russia’s proposals for international agreements to prevent an arms race in space, including the prohibition of space-based weapons.
Trump’s January 27 executive order instructs the Pentagon to create a multi-layered missile defense system to protect the US from various missile threats, including hypersonic and advanced cruise missiles, from both state and non-state actors. This “Iron Dome,” inspired by Israel’s missile defense system, would include the development of space-based interceptors designed to neutralize missiles during their boost phase, alongside other defensive measures.
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