Able Archer 83: A Close Call in the Cold War
NATO’s military exercise Able Archer 83 put the world close to nuclear war by accident, in a very dangerous time of the Cold War. The Able Archer 83 exercise took place in November 1983 and simulated a joint nuclear attack. The Soviet leadership were so alarmed they believed an actual attack was coming.
Able Archer 83 Explained
In the early 1980s, the US and the USSR were in the midst of a very high tension period. The deployment of US Pershing II missiles in Europe and President Ronald Reagan’s strong anti-Soviet rhetoric, which included calling the USSR the “Evil Empire,” increased distrust. During this period, NATO conducted its regular war games, including realistic nuclear war scenarios, which included Able Archer 83.
Able Archer 83: The Key Difference
Able Archer 83 was different from previous drills as it had new elements that made it look very real. The exercise included a full simulation of nuclear launch procedures, encrypted communication and the participation of senior military and political leaders. These and other factors, along with existing Soviet fears, caused the USSR to believe that the drill was possibly a cover for an actual nuclear attack.
Soviet Reaction
The KGB, the Soviet Union’s main intelligence agency, had set in motion Operation RYAN, to uncover any signs of a Western nuclear strike. Soviet forces went to a high state of alert when Able Archer 83 began. Military commanders mobilised nuclear-ready units in Eastern Europe and put strategic bombers on standby. The USSR believed a Western first strike was imminent and increased military alert.
How the War Scare Faded
There were no problems faced during the complex Able Archer 83 exercise, even with the rising tensions. US intelligence later judged the Soviet forces to have been on the verge of launching a counter-attack. What this situation showed was the peril of miscommunications and the fragility of Cold War peace. Recognising the need to reduce tensions, leaders on both sides held arms control talks in the years that followed.
Able Archer 83: Key Lessons
- Importance of Communication: The episode showed how damaging misinterpretation can be in international relations. Improved lines of communication, such as the Washington-Moscow hotline, were crucial in preventing confusion.
- Realistic Drills: Realistic war games are needed for readiness but also need to take into account global political situations. Later exercises reflected this understanding and led NATO to decide to increase transparency.
- Nuclear Treaties: Able Archer 83 highlights the value of agreements to control nuclear weapons. This event was one of the reasons for the 1987 INF Treaty, which banned an entire class of nuclear weapons.
Aftermath
Able Archer 83’s near miss is a reminder of how near the Cold War came to actual fighting. It shows how close the world came to war during the Cold War. We will continue to explore this episode as a potent example of the dangers of miscalculation and the value of diplomacy.
References
- https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/project/able-archer-83-sourcebook
- https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1981-88v04/d135
- https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/aa83/2021-02-17/able-archer-war-scare-potentially-disastrous
- https://direct.mit.edu/jcws/article/22/3/86/95296/The-War-Scare-That-Wasn-t-Able-Archer-83-and-the
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