A 1979 British estimate held that destroying both warheads of a modified Polaris missile would require at least ten Soviet interceptors. A full submarine salvo was expected to demand more interceptors than the defensive force could provide. The reading compares 64 deployed interceptors with a treaty ceiling of 100. It also considers the remaining allowance for 36 interceptors of a newer type operating inside the atmosphere. These figures express a planning estimate of how penetration aids could stretch the defence.
Notable Point · 3:44:55-3:46:11
Chevaline and the limits on Soviet interceptor numbers
British estimates compared the interceptors needed against Chevaline with both the deployed Soviet force and the treaty limit.