The Navy plays an essential role in nuclear deterrence through its sea-based ballistic missile submarine force. To sustain that role, Navy leadership seeks a common understanding of nuclear history, deterrence theory, and nuclear triad responsibilities across the Service and with key stakeholders.

Over a decade ago, as it began considering recapitalization of the sea-based nuclear deterrent, the Navy sought to build consensus among senior leadership on the Navy’s role in the nuclear triad within the context of historical deterrence practice and the demands of a future security environment.

Knowing of SPA’s expertise in applying deterrence principles and practice to submarine-launched ballistic missiles, the Navy partnered with SPA to design a foundational seminar for senior leaders. The resulting seminar, “Nuclear Deterrence and the Navy,” focuses on explaining the Navy’s role in deterrence and has since been presented throughout the Navy and across the Defense Department and Congress. The seminar covers the following topics:

• Strategic Nuclear Deterrence Principles and Foundations
• Nuclear History
• Nuclear Weapons over Time
• Arms Control
• Cold War, Unipolar, Global War on Terror

Leveraging our subject matter expertise on nuclear deterrence and submarine operations, SPA has made significant contributions to Defense and Congressional leadership’s understanding of the Navy’s deterrent mission, its history, and the future application of deterrence principles as the mission evolves in today’s strategic environment.

Deterrence Highlights