Furthermore, there's an inherent instability to a less developed nuclear state, specifically one that lacks a credible second strike capability. In such a stat

Furthermore, there's an inherent instability to a less developed nuclear state, specifically one that lacks a credible second strike capability. In such a state, if nuclear delivery vehicles could conceivably be taken out in a first strike by an opponent, it is essential that everything be done to prevent that from being possible. Notably, this means compressing the detection-to-launch schedule as much as possible. Which in turn usually means allowing battlefield commanders to launch under certain conditions.