A prioritized inventory of potential adversary locations considered for nuclear strikes forms the foundation of strategic nuclear war planning. This inventory includes military installations, command and control centers, and potentially, under specific circumstances, industrial and civilian infrastructure. The development and maintenance of such an inventory are driven by highly classified information, intricate strategic calculations, and threat assessments. A hypothetical example might include an adversary’s major naval base or a hardened missile silo.
The existence of such a prioritized inventory plays a critical role in nuclear deterrence strategy. It provides a framework for demonstrating retaliatory capabilities and conveying the potential consequences of aggression. The inventorys composition reflects evolving geopolitical landscapes and technological advancements, changing significantly throughout the Cold War and beyond. Understanding this aspect of nuclear strategy is crucial for analyzing international relations and security policies.