The fictional superweapon problem connects directly to Cold War debates about nuclear warheads at sea. Fitting the weapon matters only if commanders can receive authorization to use it. Multiple chains of command can consume the very short window in which a nuclear cruise missile could be launched effectively. If policy makes timely release practically impossible, carrying the weapon burdens the ship without creating a credible deterrent.
Notable Point · 1:16:09-1:16:57
The Cold War problem of a fleeting nuclear release window
Shipboard nuclear weapons add little deterrent value if authorization chains are too slow for the brief tactical moment in which launch is possible.