Glossary Term

Term: First Strike

A nuclear first strike is a preemptive attack designed to destroy an enemy's nuclear weapons before they can be used in retaliation.

First Strike

Overview

A nuclear first strike is a preemptive attack designed to destroy an enemy’s nuclear weapons before they can be used in retaliation. This strategy attempts to prevent nuclear retaliation by eliminating the opponent’s nuclear capabilities in a surprise attack.

Strategic Concept

First strike doctrine is based on specific assumptions:

  • Preemption: Attacking before the enemy can launch
  • Counterforce: Targeting weapons rather than cities
  • Damage limitation: Reducing enemy retaliation capability
  • Surprise: Achieving strategic advantage through timing

Target Categories

First strike plans typically target:

  • ICBM silos: Fixed missile launch sites
  • Submarine bases: Naval nuclear facilities
  • Bomber bases: Strategic aviation facilities
  • Command centers: Nuclear command and control
  • Early warning: Radar and satellite systems

Tactical Requirements

Successful first strike requires:

  • Accuracy: Precise targeting of hardened sites
  • Timing: Coordinated simultaneous attacks
  • Intelligence: Real-time enemy force locations
  • Penetration: Overcoming defensive systems
  • Speed: Faster than enemy response time

Counterstrategies

Nations develop responses to first strike threats:

  • Launch on warning: Firing upon detecting attack
  • Mobile systems: Moving targets to avoid targeting
  • Hardened silos: Reinforced missile protection
  • Submarine deterrent: Hidden sea-based forces
  • Dead hand systems: Automated retaliation

Stability Paradox

First strike capabilities create instability:

  • Arms racing: Competing first strike systems
  • Crisis instability: Incentive to strike first
  • Accident risks: Hair-trigger alert systems
  • Escalation pressure: Use-or-lose mentality

Technical Challenges

First strike faces major obstacles:

  • Simultaneous coordination: Attacking all targets at once
  • Hardened targets: Surviving weapons in reinforced sites
  • Mobile systems: Locating and targeting moving launchers
  • Submarine tracking: Finding hidden sea-based deterrent
  • Retaliation assurance: Eliminating all response capability

Modern Developments

Contemporary first strike considerations include:

  • Hypersonic weapons: Faster, harder-to-intercept systems
  • Cyber warfare: Disrupting command and control
  • Conventional precision: Non-nuclear counterforce weapons
  • Missile defense: Intercepting surviving weapons
  • Space assets: Targeting satellites and communications

Relevance to Nuclear Weapons

First strike doctrine is significant because:

  • It drives nuclear force structure and sizing
  • It creates pressure for rapid nuclear response
  • It influences crisis stability and escalation risks
  • It shapes arms control and verification requirements

Sources

Authoritative Sources:

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