ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines current and expected future nuclear defensive systems. It includes general capabilities, current and future technologies, and the nature of the assets that could be protected in the event of a nuclear conflict. In addition, their satellite reconnaissance capability has been refined, and their space-based electronic intelligence gathering systems are currently being upgraded. The Soviets will probably have the technical capability to deploy such systems during the 1990s. The Soviets have also continued to develop and deploy radar-mapping satellites. The nuclear-armed GALOSH ABM also has an inherent anti-satellite capability, and the Soviets are also developing ground-based lasers that may pose a serious threat to US satellites by the late 1990s. Finally, the chapter includes references to the economic incentives that may eventually result in the substitution of defenses for offensive nuclear forces. The Soviet civil defense system provides a substantial capability for the Soviet leadership to survive a nuclear attack, to function during an extended nuclear war.
