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by JumpCrisscross 1100 days ago
> subs are the only truly strategic component of nuclear arms

I used to think this. But land-based missiles are essential for MAD, as a nuclear sponge and by being cheap. They also protect against a technological horizon over which subs are unmasked. (There is a great scene in The Expanse which contemplates such a horizon.)

What I can’t get my head around are nuclear bombers, which largely seem to be for posturing [1].

[1] https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/SSQ/documents/Vo...
4 comments
dragonwriter 1100 days ago
> What I can’t get my head around are nuclear bombers, which largely seem to be for posturing

Posturing is super important, strategically, though. Also, nuclear-capable bombers double as conventional bombers, so there’s that.

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chiph 1100 days ago
Unlike the other parts of the nuclear triad, bombers can be recalled at any point before they start dropping weapons (there is no destruct code for ICBMs or SLBMs). So they give a President more flexibility.
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le-mark 1100 days ago
> They also protect against a technological horizon over which subs are unmasked.

I’ve read speculation that Russia boomers are followed at all times by at least one fast attack, and they can listen for sounds like missile bay doors opening. I have no sources, but given the state of Russia navy it seems plausible.

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flaghacker 1097 days ago
What scene in the expanse is that?
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