What was the MIRV limit under SALT II?

• A. 1,320 MIRVs
• B. 2,000 MIRVs
• C. 800 MIRVs
• D. 1,500 MIRVs

Answer: (A)

The question tests the specific numerical limit SALT II placed on MIRVed weapons. SALT II was meant to slow the growth of the strategic arms race by capping how many independently targetable warheads could be deployed on missiles. The agreement set a ceiling of 1,320 MIRVed warheads. This means the total number of MIRVs that the two superpowers could field on their strategic forces was limited to 1,320. That figure captures the treaty’s attempt to restrain explosive power without banning missiles entirely. Although SALT II was signed, the United States did not ratify it, so it never formally entered into force, but the 1,320 limit is the numbers often cited for the MIRV cap in the agreement and it influenced later arms-control talks such as START I.