Norwegian rocket mistaken for missile launch
A Norwegian research rocket, the Black Brant XII, was launched from the Andøya Space Center in Norway to collect atmospheric data. However, Russian military radar misidentified the rocket as a potential US Trident missile attack. This prompted a near-launch of a Russian nuclear missile, leading to a tense situation before the error was confirmed.
Black Brant XII launched for scientific research.
Russian radar misidentified rocket as a missile.
Yeltsin activated nuclear protocols in response.
Incident highlighted nuclear response risks.
What Happened?
The Black Brant XII, a suborbital sounding rocket, was intended for scientific research and was launched on January 25, 1995, from the Andøya Space Center in Norway. Its purpose was to gather data on the atmosphere, a relatively benign goal. However, as the rocket ascended, it was detected by Russian radar systems, which interpreted the trajectory as a potential incoming ballistic missile attack from the United States. The Russian military, under the command of the Strategic Rocket Forces, initiated emergency protocols in response to the perceived threat. This included a discussion among top officials regarding the possibility of retaliating with a nuclear strike.
In the heart of this crisis, Russian President Boris Yeltsin was alerted, and the situation escalated rapidly. The nuclear briefcase, known as the Cheget, was activated, giving Yeltsin the ability to launch a retaliatory strike. Fortunately, Russian analysts took the time to verify the information and soon realized the threat was a false alarm, caused by the rocket's appearance on radar rather than an actual missile launch. This incident, lasting approximately 10 minutes, could have led to catastrophic consequences had the misinterpretation not been resolved quickly.
Why Does it Matter?
This incident is of great significance as it exemplifies the ongoing risks associated with nuclear weapons and the potential for misunderstandings during heightened military alertness. It highlights the delicate balance of nuclear deterrence and the critical nature of communication and verification among nuclear-armed states. The event raised important discussions about the safety protocols in place during the post-Cold War era and emphasized the need for better systems to avoid similar situations in the future.