Second strike

In nuclear strategy, a retaliatory strike or second-strike capability is a country's assured ability to respond to a nuclear attack with powerful nuclear retaliation against the attacker.^[1] To have such an ability (and to convince an opponent of its viability) is considered vital in nuclear deterrence, as otherwise the other side might attempt to try to win a nuclear war in one massive first strike against its opponent's own nuclear forces.

^ Wragg, David W. (1973). A Dictionary of Aviation (first ed.). Osprey. p. 240. ISBN 9780850451634.

[1] Wragg, David W. (1973). A Dictionary of Aviation (first ed.). Osprey. p. 240. ISBN 9780850451634.

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