backpack nukes
Suitcase atomic weapons
Backpack nukes are portable nuclear weapons small enough to be carried by a single person, designed for tactical use or sabotage rather than strategic warfare.
Both the U.S. and Soviet Union developed such weapons during the Cold War.
The term now appears in terrorism scenarios and thrillers: The plot involved terrorists smuggling backpack nukes across the border.
Also called suitcase nukes.
Explosive spreading radioactive contamination
- threatIndication of potential harm
- attackAggressive act against another
- mass casualtyEvent harming many simultaneously
- radiologicalInvolving emission-based imaging
WMD · catastrophe · detonation · explosive · disaster · strike · devastation · annihilation
Former communist superstate
- CIAU.S. foreign intelligence service
- KGBUSSR intelligence service
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
- covert operationsSecret military or intelligence activities
special forces · clandestine · sabotage · infiltration · Cold War · deterrence · first strike · behind enemy lines
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- nightmareFrightening dream causing wakefulness
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
- apocalypticPertaining to ultimate devastation
existential threat · unthinkable · horror · anxiety · panic · menace · ominous · alarm
Illegal covert transport
- black marketIllicit trading system
- traffickingIllegal transport for profit
- nonproliferationRestricting weapons dissemination
- safeguardsMeasures preventing harm
IAEA · verification · sanctions · rogue states · enrichment · plutonium · uranium · export controls
dirty bomb
Explosive spreading radioactive contamination
- threatIndication of potential harm
- attackAggressive act against another
- mass casualtyEvent harming many simultaneously
radiological · WMD · catastrophe · detonation · explosive · disaster · strike · devastation · annihilation · fallout
Soviet Union
Former communist superstate
- CIAU.S. foreign intelligence service
- KGBUSSR intelligence service
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
covert operations · special forces · clandestine · sabotage · infiltration · Cold War · deterrence · first strike · behind enemy lines · commando
terror
Extreme, overwhelming fear
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- nightmareFrightening dream causing wakefulness
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
apocalyptic · existential threat · unthinkable · horror · anxiety · panic · menace · ominous · alarm · catastrophic
smuggling
Illegal covert transport
- black marketIllicit trading system
- traffickingIllegal transport for profit
- nonproliferationRestricting weapons dissemination
safeguards · IAEA · verification · sanctions · rogue states · enrichment · plutonium · uranium · export controls · dual-use
backpack nukesintercontinental ballistic missiles
Nuclear weapons spanning continents
ICBMs · hydrogen bombs · Tsar Bomba · nuclear triad · strategic bombers
back, pack, nuke, backs, backed, backing, backside, backbone, packs