Phébé – Nuclear deterrence put to the test of technology

Ihe nuclear deterrent is often presented as a guarantee of absolute security, the life insurance that can protect any nation from an attack on its vital interests. Indeed, if they are coupled with effective vectors, nuclear weapons provide an appalling ability to respond. Moreover, since the deployment by certain countries of weapons protected in silos, on board submarines launching silent missiles or even on mobile intercontinental missiles, they have become almost invulnerable. Some are indeed very difficult to locate, others to destroy. However, technological innovations challenge these certainties. These are the conclusions drawn by two recent reports which are concerned about the threat hanging over the stability…