Tactical defense initiative for Western Europe

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Bull. At. Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00963402.1987.11459520· OSTI ID:6142424

Daalder, I H

This article shows while the ABM Treaty does not address defensive systems capable of intercepting tactical ballistic missiles, the treaty's provisions if adhered to, would affect the capability of such an ABM system in important way. It is clear that some proposed systems, if deployed in an ATBM role, would violate the treaty. In essence, these systems include most of the SDI technologies with ATBM applications. If the ABM Treaty is to remain one of the sacred symbols of arms control - as most allies believe it should - then a European SDI is out of the question. Such a system should also be rejected on other grounds. No European missile-defense system will be 100% effective in defending against a Soviet nuclear attack, for the myriad of nuclear threats facing Western Europe - ranging from nuclear artillery, through air-delivered nuclear bombs and cruise missiles, to the SS-20 - is so vast that some nuclear weapons would inevitably get through. In densely populated Western Europe, a few such nuclear bombs would wreak untold destruction. 16 references, 3 figures.

• Research Organization: Harvard Univ., Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 6142424
• Journal Information: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 43:4; ISSN BASIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

350100* -- Arms Control-- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation-- (1987-)
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450202 -- Explosions & Explosives-- Nuclear-- Weaponry-- (-1989)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ASIA
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
EVALUATION
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
TREATIES
USSR
VIOLATIONS
WEAPONS
WESTERN EUROPE