“To allow us to have a better understanding of the weapons systems that serve to keep the Western hordes in check. Chief Armament Officer Yuri Chuchkin has kindly agreed to say a few words. Comrade Chuchkin….”
To a smattering of polite applause, the corpulent officer stood, straightened his uniform and made his way to the podium. Before speaking, he made extra certain that his pipe was packed, lit and ready for smoking. After completing this ritual, he scanned his captive audience and began speaking.
“Thank you, Comrades. I think that it’s only fitting, in this discussion of the Rodina’s nuclear war fighting strategy, that we begin with the Vulkan’s responsibilities should the unthinkable come to pass.
As you well know, our primary armament takes the form of sixteen SS-N-18 ballistic missiles. These liquid fueled, two-stage rockets features the Motherland’s latest technology. The SS-N-18 is the first submarine-launched weapon with post-boost propulsion.
Not only does this add significant velocity to the warhead during the final stages of flight, but it also allows the MIRV-bus to readily maneuver.
“The length of each of these missiles is 14.1 meters, with a diameter of 1.8 meters. The warheads rely on inertial guidance, with assistance from frequent stellar observations “Each SS-N-18 carries a multiple, independently target table reentry vehicle, known as a bus. This device carries seven separate, two-hundred-kiloton nuclear devices. At the proper time, after the bus has fallen back into the atmosphere, the individual warheads can be aimed at their independent targets. As you know, a kiloton is equivalent to an explosive yield of 1,000 tons of TNT.
“Another remarkable feature of the SS-N-18 is its range of over 8,000 kilometers. Thus, even from our current position, the Vulkan could hit targets anywhere in the continental United States. An equally amazing statistic is our payloads’ CEP. Circular Error Probable is a measure of a warhead’s accuracy. It relates to the radius of a circle into which fifty percent of the nuclear devices are predicted to fall.
Extensive tests have shown the SS-N-18 to have a CEP of less than 100 meters. This means that, for the first time, a submarine-launched weapon is able to destroy one of the so-called hardened targets. No longer is the sub force merely a back-up retaliatory system. Today, we have a first-strike ability of equaled potential.”
The unnaturally loud sound of a throat being cleared broke the chief’s concentration. Turning his head to check the interruption’s source, he saw that the zampolit had stood and was rapidly approaching the lectern. He began speaking long before he reached the bearded officer’s side.
“This report is extremely fascinating. Comrade Chuchkin, and in much more detail than I was expecting. Your knowledge of the intricate mechanical features of the equipment can’t be challenged. Yet your assertion regarding the Vulkan’s first-strike potential has serious theoretical flaws. I’m certain that all of you are aware of the fact that the Rodina has publicly disavowed any desire to be the first user of nuclear weapons. To even think that the Vulkan would be considered in such a role is, therefore, absurd.”
Before answering, the bearded chief patiently tamped down the tobacco in the bowl of his pipe, put a match to it, and sucked in a deep draw.
“I know nothing of the intentions of the politicians who guide the course of the Soviet Union. All I know is that, from a practical strategic viewpoint, our load of SS-N18s could singly strike the imperialists a mighty blow.
Not even their most sheltered command post would be safe from our reach.”
“Enough of such nonsense!” exclaimed the redfaced zampolit.
“Only the treachery of the warmongering Americans could push us to such an extreme. We are a peace-loving people. We’ve more than had our fill of war. First strike intentions have no part in our war plan.
This, I am certain of!”
“I beg to differ with you. Comrade Novikov.”
These firm words came from the mouth of Captain Petyr Valenko. The political officer could hardly believe his eyes as the captain dared to challenge him directly.
“Why build such super accurate devices such as the SS-N-18 in the first place, if one didn’t plan to use them effectively? Certainly, a military strategist must keep his mind open to every kind of attack scenario.
To say that the Soviet Union doesn’t have a first-strike option is ridiculous in itself.”
Novikov’s voice trembled angrily.
“I repeat. Captain Valenko; it is the policy of the Soviet Union never to be the instigator of a nuclear exchange. Now, if you want evidence of a country gathering itself for a first strike, just look at the United States. Their MX and Trident missile systems, combined with the so-called Star Wars satellite platforms, indicate a clear desire to strike the first blow.”
Valenko realized that it was fruitless to continue.
The political officer would never open his mind to any expansion of thought. Catching the pleading look of his weapon’s chief, the captain vented his tired frustrations with a single, passionate outburst. “If you ask me, this entire discussion has gotten out of hand. To stand there and say the the Rodina has no plan for a first strike is as foolish as blaming the problem totally on the Americans. The simple fact is that there can be no winner in an extended nuclear conflict, no matter who drops the first warhead. This is the concept that the leaders of both sides have to come to terms with.
“The time for name-calling and rhetoric is over.
The world’s leaders have to face up to their responsibilities.
It is their fault that this arms race has gotten so out of control. We have been lucky so far. Over three decades have passed since a nuclear device was last used in warfare. Today, I fear that the odds are turning against us. All it would take is a single, unstable group getting their hands on the nuclear trigger. The sad part is that no matter who was ultimately at fault, the grim outcome would be the same for all of us.”
Conscious of the startled silence that met the conclusion of his emotion-filled discourse, Valenko turned and quickly exited the room.
Only when he was long gone from the mess area did a nervous rumble of voices break from the komsomol members still present.
Ivan Novikov knew it was important that he regain control of his audience at once. There could be no doubting that their captain harbored confused, dangerous thoughts. He would deal with that problem later. Trying to ignore the gleaming eyes of the weapon’s chief, who seemed to be enjoying the zampolit’s discomfort, Novikov positioned himself squarely behind the lectern and spoke as calmly as possible.
“As komsomol members, all of us are aware of the importance of open dialogue. Our esteemed Captain’s personal opinions are merely that.
For the Party to grow to full maturity, this sharing of viewpoints, no matter how alien, must be allowed. This is the prime difference between the so-called democracies and our glorious socialist system.
Each week, our meetings reflect this sharing of philosophies. Now, I think that it’s time to return to tonight’s intended subject.
“The Party has long realized that only through strength will the imperialists be contained. Yet, what would happen if the Western powers did develop a platform that could knock our missiles from the skies and we were forced to defend the Rodina from direct Western aggression? The following options would then be at our disposal….”
Wishing that he could have followed the captain’s lead, the weapon’s chief was forced to listen to the zampolit’s rambling. It was evident that the man didn’t know the first thing about true nuclear warfare.
Not having the nerve to excuse himself, Chuchkin surrendered to the solace of his pipe, and a mental recollection of the strange confrontation that they had just witnessed.