A decision to possess nuclear weapons leads to the practical question of how to make the deterrent credible. A state must identify the threat, the required range and yield, and whether its weapons can survive on land. Keeping nuclear weapons continuously airborne creates safety and endurance problems, as Cold War accidents showed. Submarines become attractive when secure concealment ashore is impossible. Geography and survivability shape the force structure rather than prestige alone.
Notable Point · 29:07-31:33
Choosing a survivable nuclear deterrent
Threat range, weapon size, concealment, and delivery method determine whether a state relies on land systems, aircraft, missiles, or submarines.