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The nuclear triad is designed so that technical advances can't obsolete any one leg of the triad. Currently, ICBMs are vulnerable, and are out of favor due to t
by greedo 13y ago
The nuclear triad is designed so that technical advances can't obsolete any one leg of the triad. Currently, ICBMs are vulnerable, and are out of favor due to the accuracy of SLBMs and ICBMs in a first strike role. So we put our emphasis on SSBNs and stealth bombers. Now what do we do if an opponent manages to work out an effective means of tracking our boomers on patrol? Perhaps some odd trail of bioluminescence kicked up by the sub's wake underwater; who knows. Then we're down to one leg. B2s. We only have 19-20, and they can only fly so many missions, plus their bases a vulnerable to ICBMs and SLBMs as well...
- bradleyjg 13y agoCould the exact same arguments be made about a nuclear dyad or quad? What makes three so special?
- greedo 13y agoWell, I think the designers of SIOP were fond of tripods. ;) Two legs is obviously less secure than three, and we don't have a fourth because we haven't developed a fourth technology for delivering nuclear weapons.