Second strike
RESPONSE TO A POWERFUL FIRST NUCLEAR STRIKE
Second-strike capability; Second strike capability; Retaliatory strike; Survivable nuclear force; Second-strike; Retaliatory nuclear strike; Second strike weapon
In nuclear strategy, a retaliatory strike or second-strike capability is a country's assured ability to respond to a nuclear attack with powerful nuclear retaliation against the attacker. To have such an ability (and to convince an opponent of its viability) is considered vital in nuclear deterrence, as otherwise the other side might attempt to try to win a nuclear war in one massive first strike against its opponent's own nuclear forces.