The Pentagon warns that Russia is developing a type of atomic bomb that can explode in space and disable thousands of satellites

A new report released this week by the United States Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) reveals that Russia is developing a new nuclear weapon that could be detonated in space orbit.

"Russia is developing a satellite designed to carry a nuclear weapon despite its obligation to comply with the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which prohibits the placement in orbit around the Earth of any object that carries nuclear weapons or any other type of weapons of mass destruction," states the DIA in its latest report, published this Monday.

"A space capability like this could result in the rapid and sudden loss or degradation of thousands of satellites operated by countries and companies around the world, as well as the vital communications, navigation, scientific, meteorological, commercial and national security services they provide," the report warns.

The DIA claims that detonating such a weapon would have long-term consequences, leaving a belt of harmful radiation suspended above the Earth.

"Beyond its immediate effects, a nuclear detonation in space would also leave persistent radiation belts, which could last for years and damage satellites that had initially only suffered a temporary interruption," the report adds.

The text does not make clear how Russia would deploy its new nuclear weapon. It could either remain in orbit and be launched from a satellite or it could be deployed from the ground.