How Did US and Soviet Nuclear Arsenals Compare During Cold War?

The United States and the Soviet Union possessed immense nuclear arsenals during the Cold War, but the specifics of their size, composition, and development differed significantly. COMPARE.EDU.VN offers detailed comparisons to help understand these differences. Examining these arsenals reveals strategic doctrines, technological advancements, and the overall dynamics of nuclear deterrence and arms control.

1. What Were The Initial Stages of US and Soviet Nuclear Arsenal Development?

The United States initiated the nuclear age with the first test explosion in July 1945, followed by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, while the Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear test in 1949.

The United States started with a significant lead in nuclear technology and deployment, the Soviet Union quickly closed the gap. This rapid advancement was spurred by espionage, technological innovation, and a determination to achieve parity. Early on, the U.S. enjoyed a monopoly, but the Soviets’ swift development of their nuclear capability marked the beginning of a long and intense arms race.

2. How Did The Size of US and Soviet Nuclear Arsenals Compare Over Time?

At the height of the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union amassed tens of thousands of nuclear warheads. The Soviet arsenal eventually surpassed the U.S. in total warheads, although the U.S. maintained advantages in certain technological aspects.

Both countries engaged in a relentless build-up, leading to a peak in the mid-1980s. The sheer numbers are staggering, reflecting the deep-seated fear and strategic competition that defined the era. Arms control agreements later led to significant reductions.

3. What Were The Key Differences in Strategic Doctrines Between The US and The Soviet Union?

The United States initially adopted a strategy of “massive retaliation,” threatening a large-scale nuclear response to any Soviet attack. The Soviet Union, while also focused on deterrence, placed a greater emphasis on land-based missiles and a “launch-on-warning” posture.

The U.S. strategy evolved towards “flexible response,” allowing for a range of options beyond all-out nuclear war. The Soviets, however, maintained a more rigid approach, reflecting their different technological capabilities and geopolitical concerns. These differences in doctrine influenced the types of weapons each country developed and deployed.

4. How Did US and Soviet Nuclear Delivery Systems Differ?

The United States invested heavily in a “triad” of nuclear delivery systems, including land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers. The Soviet Union prioritized ICBMs, particularly large, multi-warhead missiles.

The U.S. triad provided redundancy and flexibility, ensuring a retaliatory strike capability even if one leg of the triad was compromised. The Soviet focus on ICBMs reflected their geographical advantages and technological strengths. Both countries continuously modernized their delivery systems, leading to increasingly accurate and powerful weapons.

5. What Role Did Arms Control Agreements Play in Shaping US and Soviet Nuclear Arsenals?

Arms control agreements, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties (START), played a crucial role in limiting the size and composition of U.S. and Soviet nuclear arsenals.

These agreements led to verifiable reductions in deployed warheads and delivery systems, helping to stabilize the nuclear balance and reduce the risk of accidental war. Despite periods of tension and non-compliance, arms control remained a vital tool for managing the nuclear competition.

6. How Did Technological Advancements Impact The US and Soviet Nuclear Arsenals?

Technological advancements drove the nuclear arms race, with each side seeking to develop more accurate, reliable, and survivable weapons.

The development of MIRVs (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) allowed each missile to carry multiple warheads, significantly increasing destructive potential. Improvements in missile accuracy and submarine stealth further heightened the stakes. These advancements created a dangerous cycle of action and reaction, fueling the arms race.

7. What Were The Economic Costs of Maintaining Such Large Nuclear Arsenals?

The economic costs of maintaining massive nuclear arsenals were substantial for both the United States and the Soviet Union, diverting resources from other sectors of the economy.

The U.S. spent trillions of dollars on nuclear weapons research, development, and deployment. The Soviet Union, with a smaller economy, faced even greater strain, contributing to its eventual collapse. These economic costs highlight the opportunity costs of the Cold War arms race.

8. How Did The End of The Cold War Affect US and Soviet Nuclear Arsenals?

The end of the Cold War led to significant reductions in U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, as well as changes in strategic doctrine and deployment patterns.

The collapse of the Soviet Union removed the primary justification for maintaining such large forces. Arms control agreements like START I and START II led to the dismantling of thousands of warheads and delivery systems. While nuclear weapons remain a concern, the scale of the threat has diminished significantly.

9. What is The Current Status of US and Russian Nuclear Arsenals?

Today, the United States and Russia still possess the vast majority of the world’s nuclear weapons, though at significantly reduced levels compared to the Cold War peak.

New START treaty limits each country to 1,550 strategic deployed warheads. However, modernization programs continue, raising concerns about a new arms race. The relationship between the U.S. and Russia remains complex, with ongoing disagreements over arms control and other security issues.

10. What Lessons Can Be Learned From The US and Soviet Nuclear Arms Race?

The U.S. and Soviet nuclear arms race offers several important lessons about the dangers of unchecked military competition, the importance of arms control, and the need for diplomacy and communication in managing international conflicts.

The Cold War demonstrated the potential for nuclear annihilation and the importance of avoiding direct confrontation between major powers. It also showed that arms control agreements can be effective in reducing the risk of war, even in times of deep distrust. Ultimately, the experience underscores the need for continued efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons.

11. What Was The Composition of The US Nuclear Arsenal?

The U.S. nuclear arsenal comprised a “triad” of delivery systems: land-based ICBMs, SLBMs, and strategic bombers. This ensured redundancy and flexibility in nuclear deterrence.

11.1. Land-Based ICBMs

Description: These are missiles based in underground silos, capable of reaching targets across continents.
Role: Provide a quick-response capability and a significant portion of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
Examples: Minuteman III

11.2. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)

Description: Missiles launched from submarines, offering a mobile and stealthy nuclear capability.
Role: Ensure a survivable second-strike capability, as submarines are difficult to detect.
Examples: Trident II D5

11.3. Strategic Bombers

Description: Aircraft capable of carrying nuclear bombs and cruise missiles.
Role: Offer flexibility in targeting and can be recalled after launch, providing a degree of control not available with missiles.
Examples: B-52 Stratofortress, B-2 Spirit

12. What Was The Composition of The Soviet Nuclear Arsenal?

The Soviet Union’s nuclear arsenal heavily emphasized land-based ICBMs, particularly those with multiple warheads (MIRVs). Submarine-launched missiles and bombers also played a role, though to a lesser extent than in the U.S.

12.1. Land-Based ICBMs

Description: Similar to the U.S., these were missiles based in silos, but often larger and with more warheads.
Role: Formed the backbone of the Soviet nuclear deterrent, capable of delivering a massive retaliatory strike.
Examples: R-36M (SS-18 Satan), UR-100N (SS-19 Stiletto)

12.2. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)

Description: Missiles launched from submarines, though Soviet SLBM technology lagged behind the U.S. for some time.
Role: Provided a sea-based deterrent, though with less accuracy and stealth than U.S. systems.
Examples: R-29 (SS-N-8), R-39 Rif (SS-N-20 Sturgeon)

12.3. Strategic Bombers

Description: Aircraft designed to carry nuclear weapons, though less advanced and less numerous than U.S. bombers.
Role: Played a smaller role in the Soviet nuclear force, primarily for long-range strike capabilities.
Examples: Tu-95 Bear, Tu-160 Blackjack

13. How Did The Accuracy of US and Soviet Nuclear Weapons Compare?

The accuracy of nuclear weapons is typically measured by Circular Error Probable (CEP), which is the radius within which 50% of the warheads are expected to land.

United States: Generally had more accurate weapons, particularly SLBMs like the Trident II D5, which had CEPs of around 90-120 meters.
Soviet Union: Initially lagged behind the U.S. in accuracy, with CEPs for ICBMs in the hundreds of meters. However, they made significant improvements over time.

14. What Were The Yields of Typical US and Soviet Nuclear Weapons?

Yield refers to the amount of energy released in a nuclear explosion, typically measured in kilotons (kt) or megatons (Mt) of TNT equivalent.

United States: Deployed a range of warhead yields, from relatively low-yield tactical weapons to high-yield strategic warheads. Examples include the W76 (100 kt) and the W87 (300-475 kt).
Soviet Union: Often favored higher-yield warheads, particularly on their ICBMs. The R-36M (SS-18 Satan), for example, could carry multiple warheads with yields of 550-750 kt each, or a single warhead of up to 20 Mt.

15. How Did The Survivability of US and Soviet Nuclear Forces Compare?

Survivability refers to the ability of nuclear forces to withstand a first strike and still be able to retaliate.

United States: The U.S. triad was designed to maximize survivability. SLBMs provided a highly survivable sea-based deterrent, while hardened ICBM silos and airborne bombers added further layers of protection.
Soviet Union: Initially relied heavily on land-based ICBMs, which were vulnerable to a first strike. They later developed more mobile ICBMs and improved the survivability of their submarine fleet.

16. What Were The Key Arms Control Treaties That Affected US and Soviet Nuclear Arsenals?

Several key arms control treaties shaped the development and reduction of U.S. and Soviet nuclear arsenals.

16.1. Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I & II)

Purpose: Limited the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers and submarines.
Impact: SALT I (1972) froze the number of ICBM and SLBM launchers. SALT II (1979) set further limits, but was never ratified by the U.S. Senate.

16.2. Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty)

Purpose: Eliminated all nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers.
Impact: Signed in 1987, it led to the destruction of thousands of missiles and reduced the threat of short-warning attacks on Europe.

16.3. Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I & II)

Purpose: Significantly reduced the number of strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems.
Impact: START I (1991) led to the dismantling of thousands of warheads. START II (1993) aimed to further reduce arsenals, but was never fully implemented.

16.4. New START Treaty

Purpose: Limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads, ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers.
Impact: Signed in 2010, it is currently the only remaining treaty limiting U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear forces.

17. How Did Nuclear Doctrine Influence The Development of US and Soviet Arsenals?

Nuclear doctrine refers to the strategies and policies governing the use of nuclear weapons.

United States: Initially adopted a strategy of “massive retaliation,” threatening a large-scale nuclear response to any Soviet attack. This later evolved to “flexible response,” allowing for a range of options.
Soviet Union: Focused on deterrence through a “launch-on-warning” posture, emphasizing a quick and decisive response to any perceived attack.

18. What Were The Economic and Social Impacts of The Nuclear Arms Race on The US and Soviet Union?

The nuclear arms race had profound economic and social impacts on both countries.

United States: Significant resources were diverted to defense spending, impacting other sectors like education and healthcare. However, it also stimulated technological innovation and created jobs.
Soviet Union: The arms race placed a much heavier burden on the Soviet economy, contributing to its eventual collapse. It led to shortages of consumer goods and a decline in living standards.

19. How Did Public Opinion in The US and Soviet Union View The Nuclear Arms Race?

Public opinion played a significant role in shaping the debate over nuclear weapons.

United States: There was widespread concern about the threat of nuclear war, leading to anti-nuclear movements and calls for arms control.
Soviet Union: Information about the nuclear threat was more tightly controlled, but there was also growing awareness and concern, particularly after the Chernobyl disaster.

20. What Role Did Intelligence Gathering Play in The US and Soviet Nuclear Competition?

Intelligence gathering was crucial for both sides in assessing the capabilities and intentions of the other.

United States: Relied on satellite reconnaissance, electronic eavesdropping, and human intelligence to monitor Soviet nuclear developments.
Soviet Union: Employed similar methods to gather intelligence on U.S. nuclear forces, often focusing on espionage and technological theft.

21. How Did Proxy Wars and Regional Conflicts Impact The Nuclear Strategies of The US and Soviet Union?

Proxy wars and regional conflicts, such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War, influenced the nuclear strategies of both countries.

United States: Considered the use of nuclear weapons in some regional conflicts, but ultimately refrained due to the risk of escalation.
Soviet Union: Supported its allies with conventional weapons, but also maintained a nuclear umbrella to deter direct U.S. intervention.

22. What Were The Near-Miss Incidents That Could Have Led to Nuclear War Between The US and Soviet Union?

Several near-miss incidents highlighted the dangers of nuclear deterrence and the risk of accidental war.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): The closest the world has come to nuclear war, triggered by the Soviet deployment of nuclear missiles in Cuba.
False Alarms: Numerous incidents involving false alarms from early warning systems that could have led to a retaliatory strike.

23. How Did The Fall of The Soviet Union Affect Nuclear Proliferation Risks?

The fall of the Soviet Union raised concerns about the potential for nuclear proliferation, as nuclear weapons and materials could fall into the wrong hands.

Cooperative Threat Reduction Program: The U.S. launched this program to help secure and dismantle nuclear weapons and materials in the former Soviet Union.
New Nuclear States: The breakup of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of new nuclear states, such as Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, which eventually relinquished their weapons.

24. What Are The Current Challenges and Risks Related to Nuclear Weapons in The 21st Century?

The challenges and risks related to nuclear weapons remain significant in the 21st century.

Modernization of Nuclear Arsenals: The U.S., Russia, and China are all modernizing their nuclear forces, raising concerns about a new arms race.
Proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons to new states, such as North Korea, remains a major concern.
Terrorism: The possibility of terrorists acquiring and using nuclear weapons is a persistent threat.

25. How Does China’s Nuclear Arsenal Compare to Those of The US and Russia Today?

China’s nuclear arsenal is smaller than those of the U.S. and Russia, but it is growing and modernizing rapidly.

Size: China is estimated to have around 440 nuclear warheads, compared to thousands for the U.S. and Russia.
Modernization: China is developing new ICBMs, SLBMs, and bombers, and is increasing the size and sophistication of its nuclear forces.
No First Use Policy: China maintains a “no first use” policy, pledging not to use nuclear weapons unless it is attacked first.

26. What Role Do Non-State Actors Play in The Current Nuclear Landscape?

Non-state actors, such as terrorist groups, pose a unique challenge to nuclear security.

Acquisition of Nuclear Materials: The risk that terrorist groups could acquire nuclear weapons or materials is a major concern.
Cyberattacks: Non-state actors could potentially launch cyberattacks on nuclear command and control systems.

27. How Has The Development of Ballistic Missile Defense Systems Affected Nuclear Deterrence?

Ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems are designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles.

Impact on Deterrence: BMD systems can undermine nuclear deterrence by reducing the credibility of a retaliatory strike.
Arms Race: The development of BMD systems can also lead to an arms race, as countries seek to develop new weapons to overcome these defenses.

28. What Are The Prospects for Future Nuclear Arms Control Agreements?

The prospects for future nuclear arms control agreements are uncertain.

Strained Relations: Tensions between the U.S., Russia, and China have made it difficult to negotiate new agreements.
New Technologies: The development of new weapons technologies, such as hypersonic missiles, poses new challenges for arms control.

29. What Are The Ethical Considerations Surrounding The Use of Nuclear Weapons?

The use of nuclear weapons raises profound ethical considerations.

Indiscriminate Destruction: Nuclear weapons are inherently indiscriminate, causing widespread death and destruction.
Long-Term Effects: The long-term effects of nuclear war, such as radioactive fallout, can have devastating consequences for generations to come.

30. How Can Individuals and Organizations Contribute to Nuclear Disarmament Efforts?

Individuals and organizations can play a role in promoting nuclear disarmament.

Advocacy: Supporting organizations that advocate for nuclear disarmament.
Education: Raising awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons.
Political Action: Contacting elected officials and urging them to support arms control and disarmament measures.

Understanding the historical context and current state of U.S. and Soviet (now Russian) nuclear arsenals is crucial for informing policy decisions and promoting global security. For more in-depth comparisons and analyses, visit COMPARE.EDU.VN.

31. What are Tactical Nuclear Weapons?

Tactical nuclear weapons are smaller, shorter-range nuclear weapons designed for use on the battlefield.

31.1. Purpose of Tactical Nuclear Weapons

Battlefield Use: Intended for use against enemy troops, tanks, and other military targets.
Lower Yield: Typically have lower yields than strategic nuclear weapons, but can still cause significant destruction.

31.2. Concerns with Tactical Nuclear Weapons

Escalation: The use of tactical nuclear weapons could escalate a conflict to a full-scale nuclear war.
Lower Threshold: Some analysts believe that the existence of tactical nuclear weapons lowers the threshold for nuclear use.

32. How Did The US and Soviet Union Approach Nuclear Testing?

Nuclear testing was a key part of the nuclear arms race, allowing both countries to develop and refine their weapons.

32.1. Underground Testing

Environmental Concerns: Underground testing was less harmful to the environment than atmospheric testing, but could still cause seismic activity and groundwater contamination.
Monitoring Challenges: It was more difficult to monitor underground tests, leading to concerns about compliance with test ban treaties.

32.2. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Purpose: To ban all nuclear explosions, for military or civilian purposes, in all environments.
Status: The CTBT has been signed by many countries, but has not yet entered into force due to the failure of some key states to ratify it.

33. What Was The Role of Nuclear Submarines in The Cold War?

Nuclear submarines played a crucial role in the Cold War, providing a stealthy and survivable nuclear deterrent.

33.1. Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs)

Stealth and Mobility: SSBNs are difficult to detect and can remain submerged for long periods, making them highly survivable.
Second-Strike Capability: They provide a credible second-strike capability, deterring a first strike by the enemy.

33.2. Attack Submarines (SSNs)

Anti-Submarine Warfare: SSNs are designed to hunt and destroy enemy submarines, protecting SSBNs and other naval assets.
Intelligence Gathering: They can also be used for intelligence gathering and special operations.

34. How Did The Cuban Missile Crisis Impact US and Soviet Nuclear Strategies?

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a watershed moment in the Cold War, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war.

34.1. Lessons Learned

Communication: Highlighted the importance of clear communication between the superpowers to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.
Restraint: Emphasized the need for restraint and caution in times of crisis to prevent escalation.

34.2. Long-Term Effects

Hotline: Led to the establishment of a direct communication link (the “hotline”) between Washington and Moscow.
Arms Control: Spurred renewed efforts to negotiate arms control agreements.

35. What Is Meant By “Mutually Assured Destruction” (MAD)?

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) is a doctrine of military strategy and national security policy in which a full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two or more opposing sides would cause the complete annihilation of both the attacker and the defender.

35.1. Deterrence Through Destruction

Credible Threat: MAD relies on the threat of massive retaliation to deter a first strike.
Assured Destruction: Requires each side to have a survivable nuclear force that can inflict unacceptable damage on the other.

35.2. Criticisms of MAD

Instability: Some critics argue that MAD is unstable and could lead to accidental war.
Immoral: Others argue that it is immoral to base national security on the threat of mass destruction.

36. How Have Cyber Capabilities Changed The Nuclear Landscape?

Cyber capabilities have added a new dimension to the nuclear landscape, creating new risks and challenges.

36.1. Vulnerabilities

Command and Control: Cyberattacks could disrupt nuclear command and control systems, leading to miscalculations or accidental launches.
Early Warning Systems: Cyberattacks could compromise early warning systems, leading to false alarms.

36.2. Defenses

Cybersecurity: Protecting nuclear systems from cyberattacks requires robust cybersecurity measures.
Resilience: Building resilience into nuclear systems to ensure they can withstand cyberattacks.

37. What is De-Escalation in The Context of Nuclear Weapons?

De-escalation refers to strategies and actions aimed at reducing the risk of nuclear war in a crisis situation.

37.1. Communication and Diplomacy

Crisis Communication: Establishing clear lines of communication between the parties involved.
Diplomatic Efforts: Engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve the underlying issues.

37.2. Military Measures

Restraint: Exercising restraint in military operations to avoid escalating the conflict.
Transparency: Providing transparency about military activities to avoid misunderstandings.

38. How Do Climate Change and Environmental Factors Intersect With Nuclear Weapons?

Climate change and environmental factors are increasingly recognized as intersecting with nuclear weapons in complex ways.

38.1. Climate Impacts of Nuclear War

Nuclear Winter: A large-scale nuclear war could cause a “nuclear winter,” leading to a prolonged period of cold and darkness that would devastate agriculture and ecosystems.
Environmental Contamination: Nuclear explosions would release large amounts of radioactive materials into the environment.

38.2. Climate Change as a Threat Multiplier

Resource Scarcity: Climate change could exacerbate resource scarcity and competition, increasing the risk of conflict.
Disasters and Instability: Climate-related disasters could destabilize governments and create opportunities for terrorists or other non-state actors to acquire nuclear weapons.

39. What is The Role of International Law in Regulating Nuclear Weapons?

International law plays a crucial role in regulating nuclear weapons, but it is not without its limitations.

39.1. Treaties and Agreements

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Bans all nuclear explosions.

39.2. Customary International Law

Principles of Humanity: Prohibits the use of weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or indiscriminate harm.
Principles of Distinction: Requires parties to a conflict to distinguish between military and civilian targets.

40. How Are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Changing The Nuclear Landscape?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are rapidly changing the nuclear landscape, creating both opportunities and risks.

40.1. Opportunities

Improved Early Warning Systems: AI and ML could be used to improve the accuracy and reliability of early warning systems.
Enhanced Cybersecurity: They could also be used to enhance the cybersecurity of nuclear systems.

40.2. Risks

Autonomous Weapons: The development of autonomous weapons systems raises concerns about the potential for unintended escalation.
Algorithmic Bias: AI algorithms could be biased, leading to miscalculations or unintended consequences.

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FAQ Section

Q1: How did the US and Soviet nuclear arsenals compare in terms of size at their peak?
At their peak in the mid-1980s, the Soviet Union had a slightly larger nuclear arsenal than the United States, with over 40,000 warheads compared to the U.S.’s 30,000+. However, the U.S. had technological advantages in certain areas.

Q2: What were the main differences in nuclear delivery systems between the US and the Soviet Union?
The US relied on a triad of land-based ICBMs, SLBMs, and strategic bombers for delivery whereas the Soviet Union prioritized land-based ICBMs, particularly those with multiple warheads (MIRVs).

Q3: How did arms control agreements impact the US and Soviet nuclear arsenals?
Arms control agreements like SALT and START led to verifiable reductions in deployed warheads and delivery systems, stabilizing the nuclear balance and reducing the risk of accidental war.

Q4: What role did technological advancements play in the US and Soviet nuclear arms race?
Technological advancements such as MIRVs and improvements in missile accuracy fueled the arms race, with each side seeking to develop more advanced weapons.

Q5: What were the economic costs of maintaining such large nuclear arsenals for both countries?
The economic costs were substantial, diverting resources from other sectors and contributing to economic strain, particularly in the Soviet Union.

Q6: How did the end of the Cold War affect the US and Soviet nuclear arsenals?
The end of the Cold War led to significant reductions in nuclear arsenals and changes in strategic doctrine due to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Q7: What is the current status of US and Russian nuclear arsenals?
Today, the US and Russia possess the vast majority of the world’s nuclear weapons, though at reduced levels, and modernization programs continue.

Q8: What lessons can be learned from the US and Soviet nuclear arms race?
The arms race underscores the dangers of unchecked military competition, the importance of arms control, and the need for diplomacy in managing international conflicts.

Q9: How did the accuracy of US and Soviet nuclear weapons compare during the Cold War?
The United States generally had more accurate weapons, particularly SLBMs, while the Soviet Union initially lagged behind in accuracy but made significant improvements over time.

Q10: What ethical considerations surround the use of nuclear weapons, as highlighted by the US and Soviet arms race?
The use of nuclear weapons raises profound ethical questions due to their indiscriminate destructive power and long-term environmental and health consequences.

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