British nuclear command and control

This chapter studies the development of British nuclear command and control (C2) from 1952 to 1967. Within those formative 15 years, this chapter examines how the country’s geostrategic environment, threat perception, and challenges emanating from advances in nuclear weapons technology during this period affected development of its nuclear C2. The time period (1952–1967) is categorised into three evolutionary stages: inception (1952–1956), growth (1957–1964) and maturity (1965 onwards). Stages are categorised based on the progressive standardisation of nuclear force and operations, and decision-making. During this time, Britain developed and tested different weapon (fission and H-bombs) and delivery systems (V-bombers, ballistic missiles) that affected nuclear C2 development in the face of an uncertain geo-strategic environment characterised by rapid technological development. However, British nuclear planners succeeded in selecting effective nuclear weapon systems (WE-177 and Polaris missiles) for future nuclear deterrence missions. This chapter deduces that nuclear planners perceived technological developments such as the H-bomb, launch of Sputnik and Soviet air defences as challenging, driving them to develop in response a nuclear force that could ensure destruction through megatonnage, survivability, and operational readiness. However, the technologies and mechanisms related to weapons reliability and safety were still evolving during the time period under study.