By Debalina Ghoshal Nuclear deterrence is existential. States will have myriad ways to strengthen their nuclear deterrence: through land-based, aerial based, and sea-based nuclear weapons delivery mechanisms. Irrespective of the delivery platforms, nuclear signaling is crucial to nuclear deterrence. There is limited relevance of nuclear weapons unless a strong signaling is achieved. Such signaling could be both strategically and politically relevant. In 2015, when Iran developed its nuclear capable long range cruise missile, the Soumar, the missile had political and strategic signaling strings attached to it. In September 2024, India successfully test-fired the intermediate range Agni-IV nuclear-capable ballistic missile. The success of the missile test signaled many parameters of nuclear deterrence. The missile was operationally ready while its technical parameters were also validated through the successful test. Operational readiness of nuclear delivery system...
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