Second Strike Capability

Second-strike capability refers to a country's ability to respond to a nuclear attack with its own nuclear retaliation, even after being hit first. This means that if one nation launches a nuclear strike, a country with effective second-strike capability can launch its missiles afterward and still inflict significant damage on the attacker. This concept is crucial in nuclear deterrence, as it discourages countries from initiating a nuclear conflict, knowing that they would face overwhelming retaliation. It relies on secure and reliable nuclear systems that can survive an initial attack, ensuring a nation can defend itself even after being struck.