Nuclear torpedoes separate technical capability from credible wartime use. Conventional heavyweight torpedoes were already extremely destructive, so a nuclear alternative did not solve an otherwise impossible tactical problem. Both sides also feared what might follow once any nuclear weapon was used in any theatre. Mutual assured destruction shaped expectations for supposedly tactical weapons as well as strategic arsenals.
Notable Point · 9:08-9:49
Escalation constrained tactical nuclear weapons
Nuclear torpedoes looked formidable, but fear that any nuclear use could trigger wider escalation limited their practical attraction.