A Tense November Morning
In November 1983, NATO ran a military exercise called Able Archer 83, simulating nuclear escalation in Europe. Soviet intelligence watched closely, suspecting it might be a cover for a real attack. As NATO forces practiced raising DEFCON levels, Soviet forces readied their nuclear arsenal.
Mistrust Breeds Fear
Due to heightened Cold War tensions and recent threats from both sides, the Soviet Union viewed NATO’s exercise as genuine preparation for a nuclear strike, and Soviet forces went on high alert.
Narrowly Avoiding Catastrophe
Able Archer ended without conflict, but declassified documents later revealed how close the world came to a nuclear confrontation due to mutual suspicions. Analysts now believe misinterpreting signals during this drill could have led to a catastrophic escalation.
Due to heightened Cold War tensions and recent threats from both sides, the Soviet Union viewed NATO's exercise as genuine preparation for a nuclear strike, and Soviet forces went on high alert. pic.twitter.com/pGm6zhqaax
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