![]() Though exact details on many nuclear close calls are hard to come by, the analysis of particular cases has highlighted the importance of a variety of factors in preventing accidents. ĭespite a reduction in global nuclear tensions and major nuclear arms reductions after the end of the Cold War (in 1992), estimated nuclear warhead stockpiles total roughly 15,000 worldwide, with the United States and Russia holding 90% of the total. The damage caused by international nuclear exchange is not necessarily limited to the participating countries, as the hypothesized rapid climate change associated with even small-scale regional nuclear war could threaten food production worldwide-a scenario known as nuclear famine. These incidents typically involve a perceived imminent threat to a nuclear-armed country which could lead to retaliatory strikes against the perceived aggressor. Forces dispersed and moved to operational locations.A nuclear close call is an incident that might have led to at least one unintended nuclear detonation or explosion, but did not. Communication networks, War Headquarters and C & R manned. ![]() NATO forces go to a high state of operational readiness. Triggered by Intelligence reports suggesting the enemy are preparing to launch an attack within 36 hours. Deployment as ORANGE alert state where time permits, plus anti-aircraft weapons manned. NATO Counter-Surprise alert states (most serious at top)Įnemy attack expected within minutes (the alert may have been triggered by enemy aircraft penetrating NATO airspace). In addition to Bikini alerts that applied to individual installation NATO had a "Counter-Surprise" Military Alert System to mobilise its military forces. No information available about a specific threat. It can also mean "possible civil unrest", meaning safety cannot be guaranteed. There has been an assessment made that there is the possibility of an attack, but no defined target. It can also mean "potential terrorist threat". There is an increased likelihood of an attack, but no defined target. It can also mean "high alert", which could be a transition to war. There has been specific information received and there is a substantial threat to government targets. It can also mean "red alert", meaning the United Kingdom is at war, especially if there is a likelihood of a nuclear strike. Information has been received about an attack on a specific target. It was replaced by a more general and public terrorism alert status, the UK Threat Levels, an alert state system in use by the British government since 1 August 2006.īikini alert states (most serious at top) The system was illustrated in the British television drama Threads, produced by the BBC in 1984. ![]() The White state has rarely been used, and is only known to have been used for periods between the Good Friday Agreement and 9 September 2001. The highest levels of alert, Red and Amber, were only intended to be maintained for limited times. Whilst similar to the DEFCON (defence readiness condition) alert states used in the United States, the Bikini levels were defined by the section of the military or organisation rather than UK-wide, and as a result, countermeasures and reactions to differing states may differ as acutely as from building to building. According to the Ministry of Defence, the word " bikini" was randomly selected by a computer. ![]() Signs giving the current alert state were displayed at the entrance to government buildings and military installations. The Bikini state was an alert state indicator previously used by the UK Ministry of Defence to warn of non-specific forms of threat, including civil disorder, terrorism or war. ![]()
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