Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), proposed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1983, aimed to create a missile defense system to protect the United States from nuclear attacks, particularly from Soviet missiles. Rather than relying on retaliation, SDI sought to intercept and destroy incoming missiles using advanced technology, including satellites and ground-based systems. While it generated significant interest and debate regarding its feasibility and costs, SDI never fully materialized as originally envisioned, reflecting the complexities and challenges of missile defense during the Cold War era. The initiative shifted focus in later years to a more comprehensive defense strategy.