>but if we have nukes, why do we need new "defensive" weapons? Nukes are neither purely offensive nor defensive weapon (except low-scale tactical ones). They s

>but if we have nukes, why do we need new "defensive" weapons? Nukes are neither purely offensive nor defensive weapon (except low-scale tactical ones). They solve the task of strategic deterrence [1]. There are many other tasks that nukes can't and don't solve. It seems like your knowledge of the subject is somewhat shallow and hence the scorn. I highly recommend learning a bit more about defense -- its goals, problems, and ways to solve them. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_assured_destruction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_assured_destruction