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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Interaction of strategic defenses with crisis stability

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6253027

Stability indices produce a picture of the transition from offensive to defensive deterrence. Now, fixed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) act as a sink; submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) carry the brunt of retaliation; and aircraft add little. START would shift toward aircraft. Moderate defenses could suppress SLBMs, but would not protect a significant number of ICBMs. Retaliation would shift to aircraft, if protected and penetrating. Combined boost- and midcourse defenses increase stability. Reductions of heavy ICBMs or launch on warning would have little impact. Unilateral defenses change crisis indices little, but reduce delivery. 19 refs., 36 figs.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/AD; DOE/DP
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
6253027
Report Number(s):
LA-11919-MS; ON: DE91009002
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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