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I do wonder what will happen when we arrive at a point in the future where a country has developed perfect ICBM intercept technology. Of course there is still t
by nemo44x 6y ago
I do wonder what will happen when we arrive at a point in the future where a country has developed perfect ICBM intercept technology. Of course there is still the submarine and bomber approach as well but they can’t as easily be dialed up in literal minutes.
- samus 6y agoIf just one country has it, it will be safe from nuclear threats until the others catch up. However, it might still be vulnerable to conventional invasions. Because perfect ICBM interception doesn't change the equations for countries that are not nuclear and don't have a reliable ally that is. If all powers have it and ICBMs become useless, WW3 is still possible, even more likely. After all, the Cuba crisis happened right after MAD became plausible and set a precedent that is hopefully followed in the future. Finally, MAD is just as possible with bombers and cruise missiles, possibly launched by submarines. It's just a lot more expensive and probably less reliable. But if just, say, one or two nukes can reach their intended target, it might be enough to discourage large-scale and/or nuclear wars.
- LargoLasskhyfv 6y agoThat would depend on what you mean by perfect and how this system would work? If it were to work in the end/reentry phase, I don't see a reason why it shouldn't work against bombers, or ICBMs/cruise missiles launched from submarines also? Either it can fly-swat anything incoming, or it can't.