Terror bomb detonated in space 'can cripple UK's electronic networks': Report

California Telegraph (ANI) Wednesday 22nd February, 2012

Terror groups can launch nuclear attacks in space to target the United Kingdom's electronic networks and threaten its national security, a report has warned.

The Commons Defence Select Committee claimed that the attack would generate an electromagnetic pulse, crippling satellites, radar and the National Grid with 'devastating' results.

Both phenomena would pose a 'significant risk' to national security, the report added.

Former defence secretary Liam Fox warned the impact of a nuclear attack in space would be worse than a direct strike.

"While the risk may at present be low, the potential impact of such a weapon could be devastating and long-lasting for UK infrastructure," The Daily Mail quoted the report, as saying.

"The Government cannot therefore be complacent about this threat. Detonating a nuclear device in the upper atmosphere would create electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) that could inflict "severe damage" to electrical equipment over thousands of square miles," he added.

The report warned countries like Iran could acquire the technology to detonate a high altitude nuclear device.

British politicians claimed that possibility of a severe space weather event hitting Britain in the next five years is 'moderate to high'. (ANI)