Statement by North Atlantic Council on anti-satellite missile test conducted by Russian Federation-19/11/2021

DATE: 19 Nov. 2021

The North Atlantic Council strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s reckless and irresponsible anti-satellite missile test on 15 November 2021. This test caused an orbital debris field that significantly increases risk to human life and to the space-based assets of numerous nations and entities.

Russia’s actions demonstrate a pattern of irresponsible behaviour and endanger the security, economic, scientific, and commercial interests of all nations and actors seeking to explore and use outer space for peaceful purposes.

This dangerous behaviour directly contradicts Russia’s claims to oppose the “weaponisation” of space, and undermines the rules-based international order.

NATONATO NATO was created by 12 countries from Europe and North America on 4 April 1949. NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. At present, NATO has 32 member countries. Albania Belgium Bulgaria Canada Croatia Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Türkiye United Kingdom United States Allies remain committed to protecting and preserving the peaceful access to and exploration of space for all humanity. We call upon all nations, including Russia, to join the international efforts to develop norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviour in order to reduce space threats, and to refrain from conducting dangerous and irresponsible destructive tests like those carried out by the Russian Federation.