What is the primary purpose of maintaining a nuclear operations capability?

The primary purpose of maintaining a nuclear operations capability is to deter enemy aggression through a credible nuclear posture. This concept is rooted in the doctrine of deterrence, which asserts that the existence of nuclear weapons serves as a powerful deterrent to potential aggressors. By maintaining a credible threat of retaliatory nuclear response, nations seek to prevent conflicts from escalating into full-scale wars, specifically those that could involve nuclear exchanges. This strategic deterrence is crucial for ensuring national security and stability, as it influences the decision-making process of both friendly nations and adversaries.

Developing nuclear technology for civilian use, conducting military training on nuclear arms, and promoting global nuclear energy initiatives are important aspects of nuclear policy but are secondary to the overarching goal of maintaining national security through deterrence. These activities do not directly address the immediate need to prevent aggressive actions from adversaries in a military context, which is why they do not fulfill the primary purpose of a nuclear operations capability.