Nuclear utilization target selection (NUTS) is a hypothesis regarding the use of nuclear weapons often contrasted with mutually assured destruction (MAD). NUTS theory at its most basic level asserts that it is possible for a limited nuclear exchange to occur and that nuclear weapons are simply one more rung on the ladder of escalation pioneered by Herman Kahn. This leads to a number of other conclusions regarding the potential uses of and responses to nuclear weapons. Counterforce strikes A counterforce strike consists of an attack on enemy nuclear weapons meant to destroy them before they can be used. A viable first strike capability would require the ability to launch a 100-percent-effective (or so) counterforce attack. Such an attack is made more difficult by systems such as early warning radars which allow the possibility for rapid recognition and response to a nuclear attack and by systems such as submarine-launched ballistic missiles or road-mobile nuclear missiles (such as the Soviet SS-20) which make nuclear weapons harder to locate and
La selección de objetivos de utilización nuclear (NUTS) es una hipótesis en relación con el uso de armas nucleares a menudo contrastado con la destrucción mutuamente asegurada (MAD). La teoría NUTS en su nivel más básico afirma que es posible que se produzca un intercambio nuclear limitado y que las armas nucleares son simplemente una más vibrante en la escalera de la escalada pionera por Herman Kahn. Esto conduce a una serie de otras conclusiones sobre los usos potenciales y las respuestas a las armas nucleares. Ataques de contrafuerza Un ataque de contrafuerza consiste en un ataque a las armas nucleares enemigas destinadas a destruirlas antes de que puedan ser utilizadas. Una capacidad de primer ataque viable requeriría la capacidad de lanzar un ataque de contrafuerza 100% efectivo (o así).