What was the aim of the Strategic Defence Initiative?

• A. Space-based defense intercept missiles
• B. Increase ICBM numbers
• C. Dismantle nuclear arsenals
• D. Expand conventional forces

Answer: (A)

The idea behind the Strategic Defence Initiative was to create a defensive shield that could intercept ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ones, by using space-based (and other) technologies to detect, track, and shoot them down before they reached their targets. This is why the aim is described as space-based defense intercept missiles—the plan centered on building a missile defense system that could destroy incoming threats in space or high above the atmosphere.

It isn’t about increasing the number of ICBMs, which would raise the threat rather than defend against it. It isn’t about dismantling nuclear arsenals—arms reduction and negotiations involve different policy goals. And it isn’t about expanding conventional forces, which focuses on non-nuclear military units; the initiative specifically targeted strategic missile defense and the technology to counter it.