- Strategic nuclear weapon
A strategic nuclear weapon refers to a
nuclear weapon which is designed to be used on targets as part of a strategic plan, such as nuclearmissile locations, military command centers and large cities. They are contrasted withtactical nuclear weapon s, which are designed for use in battle, as part of an attack with conventional forces. Strategic nuclear weapons have significantly larger yields, at least over 100kiloton s and up to many megatons. The most powerful nuclear weapon ever tested was theTsar Bomba (about 50 megatons), detonated aboveNovaya Zemlya . Yields can overlap, though, and many weapons, such as theB61 nuclear bomb , are used in both roles. Strategic nuclear weapons also have greater range.Intercontinental ballistic missile s with nuclear warheads are strategic weapons, while short-range missiles are tactical. In addition, while tactical weapons are designed to meet battlefield objectives, the main purpose of strategic weapons is to deter attacks, especially nuclear attacks.References
* [http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/key-issues/nuclear-weapons/history/cold-war/strategy/report-carlucci-deterrence_1989-01-17.htm Nuclear Files - Carlucci Report]
* [http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/military/proliferation/glossary.html Public Broadcasting Service - Tracking Nuclear Proliferation]
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