The Official History of the UK Strategic Nuclear Deterrent

The United Kingdom's strategic nuclear deterrent has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's defense policy and international relations for decades. This comprehensive article delves into the official history of this nuclear capability, exploring its origins, evolution, and implications for global security throughout the Cold War and beyond.

The Official History of the UK Strategic Nuclear Deterrent: Volume I: From the V-Bomber Era to the Arrival of Polaris, 1945-1964 (Government Official History Series)

by Hannah White

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Language	:	English
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Origins and Early Development

The UK's nuclear program emerged in the aftermath of World War II, driven by concerns about the Soviet Union's expanding nuclear arsenal. In 1947, the British government established the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell, embarking on a research and development program to attain nuclear capability.

In 1952, the UK successfully conducted its first nuclear test in the Monte Bello Islands, Australia. This milestone paved the way for the development of the nation's first nuclear weapon, known as Blue Danube. In 1957, the UK's V-bomber force, consisting of Vulcan, Victor, and Valiant aircraft, became operational, providing the initial delivery platform for Blue Danube.

The Polaris Era

In the 1960s, the UK entered into a strategic alliance with the United States, agreeing to purchase the Polaris submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) system. Polaris submarines offered greater survivability and increased nuclear strike capability, replacing the V-bomber force as the primary delivery platform for the UK's nuclear deterrent.

The first Polaris submarine, HMS Resolution, entered service in 1968. Over the next decade, four additional Polaris submarines were commissioned, forming the backbone of the UK's nuclear deterrence throughout the Cold War.

The Trident Era

In the 1980s, the UK began modernizing its nuclear deterrent by replacing the aging Polaris system with the more advanced Trident II D5 SLBM. Trident submarines possessed a greater range, higher accuracy, and increased payload capacity than Polaris, significantly enhancing the UK's nuclear strike capability.

The first Trident submarine, HMS Vanguard, entered service in 1993. Today, four Vanguard-class submarines form the current operational backbone of the UK's nuclear deterrent, each carrying up to 16 Trident II D5 missiles.

Deterrence Theory and Nuclear Policy

The UK's strategic nuclear deterrent is based on the principle of nuclear deterrence, which aims to prevent nuclear war by threatening an overwhelming retaliatory strike against any potential aggressor. The UK maintains a policy of 'minimum deterrence,' meaning it only possesses enough nuclear weapons to ensure its ability to inflict unacceptable damage on an adversary.

The UK's nuclear policy has been shaped by several key principles, including the 'no first use' doctrine, which states that the UK will not use nuclear weapons unless attacked first by an adversary possessing nuclear weapons.

Arms Control and International Security

The UK has played an active role in international arms control negotiations, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The UK has also engaged in bilateral arms control agreements with the United States and Russia, aimed at reducing nuclear weapons stockpiles and increasing transparency.

The UK's strategic nuclear deterrent has played a significant role in maintaining stability and preventing nuclear conflict during the Cold War and beyond. It continues to be a fundamental element of the UK's national defense policy and a key factor in international security.

The official history of the UK strategic nuclear deterrent is a fascinating and complex narrative that spans decades of technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and international diplomacy. From the early days of the V-bomber force to the modern era of Trident submarines, the UK's nuclear deterrent has played a vital role in shaping the nation's security and contributing to global stability.

As the international landscape continues to evolve, the UK's strategic nuclear deterrent remains a cornerstone of national defense policy. It serves as a deterrent against potential adversaries, contributes to arms control efforts, and ensures the UK's continued role as a responsible and influential member of the international community.

The Official History of the UK Strategic Nuclear Deterrent: Volume I: From the V-Bomber Era to the Arrival of Polaris, 1945-1964 (Government Official History Series)

by Hannah White

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2316 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	565 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE