Submarine-launched ballistic missiles

Definition

Submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) are long-range missiles that can be launched from submarines, providing a stealthy and mobile platform for delivering nuclear payloads. This capability enhances a nation's nuclear deterrence strategy, as SLBMs can be fired from underwater, making them harder to detect and intercept. The development and deployment of SLBMs were crucial during the Cold War, especially in the context of the arms race and diplomatic strategies like détente.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first successful SLBM test was conducted by the U.S. Navy in 1960 with the Polaris missile, marking a significant advancement in military technology.
2. SLBMs provide second-strike capability, meaning they can be launched after an initial attack, ensuring a country can retaliate even if its land-based forces are compromised.
3. The development of SLBMs played a key role in the strategic arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
4. Countries with SLBM capabilities include the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, reflecting their status as major nuclear powers.
5. The presence of SLBMs has contributed to global security dynamics, as their stealth and mobility influence international relations and arms control negotiations.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of submarine-launched ballistic missiles impact the balance of power during the Cold War?
  • The introduction of SLBMs significantly altered the balance of power during the Cold War by enhancing the nuclear deterrence capabilities of nations like the United States and the Soviet Union. SLBMs provided a mobile and stealthy platform for delivering nuclear weapons, which meant they could be deployed without revealing their location. This capability complicated military strategies and led to an increased emphasis on deterrence, as nations sought to prevent attacks by demonstrating their ability to retaliate effectively.
• Discuss the role of SLBMs in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards China during Nixon's administration.
  • During Nixon's administration, SLBMs played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards China as part of a broader strategy of détente. The U.S. aimed to establish a balance in power dynamics between China and the Soviet Union while leveraging its nuclear capabilities as a deterrent. By demonstrating advanced military technology like SLBMs, Nixon sought to enhance U.S. standing on the global stage and improve relations with China, ultimately leading to greater cooperation and dialogue.
• Evaluate how submarine-launched ballistic missiles have influenced modern international relations and arms control agreements since their inception.
  • Since their inception, SLBMs have had a profound influence on modern international relations and arms control agreements. Their ability to provide assured retaliation has made them a central element of national defense strategies for nuclear-armed states, reinforcing the doctrine of deterrence. This dynamic has shaped negotiations around arms control, such as treaties limiting nuclear proliferation and testing. As countries develop new SLBM technologies or enhance existing systems, discussions about disarmament and strategic stability continue to evolve, reflecting ongoing tensions and efforts toward diplomatic solutions.

Related terms

Deterrence: A military strategy aimed at preventing aggression by the threat of retaliatory action, often associated with nuclear weapons.

Nuclear Triad: The combination of land-based missiles, strategic bombers, and submarine-launched missiles that provides a comprehensive nuclear deterrent.

Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD): A doctrine of military strategy in which both sides possess enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other, deterring any side from launching an attack.