Doctrine & strategy
Counterforce
A nuclear targeting strategy aimed at destroying an opponent's military forces, especially their nuclear weapons and command-and-control.
Counterforce attacks target missile silos, submarine bases, airfields, and command bunkers. Success requires high accuracy and prompt strike capability — historically associated with the development of MIRVs and improved guidance. Counterforce is paired with first-strike scenarios and is destabilizing because it raises pre-emption incentives.
Related terms
Countervalue
A nuclear targeting strategy aimed at destroying an opponent's population centers, industry, and economic infrastructure.
First Strike
A nuclear attack intended to disarm an opponent before they can retaliate, by destroying their nuclear forces, command, and control.
MIRV
Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle — a single missile carrying several warheads, each able to strike a different target.