missile gap

The "missile gap" refers to the perceived discrepancy in the number of nuclear missiles between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. In the late 1950s, U.S. officials feared that the Soviets had a superior arsenal, which could threaten national security. This concern spurred debates about military funding and production, as leaders believed a gap might exist in missile capabilities and technology. The issue influenced U.S. defense policy and heightened tensions during the arms race, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong military deterrent against potential adversaries.