The Strategic Context

Abstract

The various technological, industrial and economic factors which we have described push Britain towards a continuity in capabilities: a small but survivable submarine force, with ballistic missiles most suitable for attacks on major centres of industry and population. It is true that the warheads likely to come with Trident will split into a large number of very accurate warheads, permitting attacks on some highly protected military targets, but not enough to create a ‘counter-force’ option of any seriousness. As before, the new system will depend on the goodwill of the United States.