Operational Improvements to the U.S. Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Enable This Leg of the Strategic Triad to Assume the Role of the U.S. Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

Abstract

Abstract : The submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) force has long been considered the most survivable and enduring of this nation's nuclear triad-- manned bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), and SLBMS. Historically the SLBM leg has depended upon the ICBM to provide the promptness and destructive capability essential to this nation's strategic nuclear deterrence policy. The deployment of the Trident II (D-5) missile eliminates this dependence. This latest SLBM provides the promptness and the destructive capability to enable it to assume the operational role previously fulfilled by the ICBM force. This paper will examine the roles of our nation's nuclear forces in support of the strategic nuclear deterrent policy. It will briefly describe the characteristics of each leg of the triad. It will discuss the operational improvements to the SLBM force which enable it to assume the role of the ICBM in nuclear deterrence. Then, some additional operational improvements will be addressed to further emphasize the enhanced characteristics of the SLBM force. Finally, a few concerns over the SLBM assuming the role of the ICBM will be discussed. As a result of these operational improvements it can be concluded the SLBM can assume the role of the ICBM.