👉 Clone missiles were a class of ballistic missile systems developed during the Cold War, primarily by the United States and the Soviet Union, intended to counter the threat posed by intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could deliver nuclear warheads. These systems were designed to be rapidly producible and deployable, utilizing advanced technologies like solid-fueled engines and miniaturized guidance systems to ensure quick response times. The concept involved creating multiple smaller, more manageable missile variants that could be mass-produced and deployed in a matter of days or weeks, drastically reducing the time between launch and impact. This strategy aimed to level the nuclear game by providing both sides with a credible second-strike capability, thereby deterring nuclear aggression and maintaining strategic stability. However, the development and deployment of clone missiles also heightened tensions and contributed to an arms race, as each side sought to outpace the other in missile technology.
