Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:03:34-2:04:21

Cold War strike planning without polar routes

A polar exclusion redirects Cold War attack routes toward lower latitudes and the seas.

Cold WarMilitary GeographyNATONuclear StrategySoviet Union
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Question

If polar routes were unavailable for NATO attacks on the Soviet Union and Soviet attacks on the United States, how would both sides adapt?

Short answer

They would use other air and sea approaches, with Alaska and lower-latitude routes suggested.

Notes

If the polar approach were unavailable, NATO and Soviet forces would have to approach each other along other axes. Alaska is suggested, followed by lower-latitude and maritime approaches. The scenario relocates the routes available for attack and defense without explaining what makes the polar region inaccessible.