The ABM Treaty limited US and Soviet anti-ballistic missile systems for 30 years, shaping nuclear deterrence strategy during and after the Cold War.
Key Facts
- Signed
- May 26, 1972
- ABM complexes per party (original)
- 2
- Max missiles per complex
- 100 missiles
- Reduced to single complex
- 1974 protocol
- US withdrawal
- June 2002
- USSR successor states recognized
- Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine (1997)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
By the early 1970s, both the United States and the Soviet Union were developing anti-ballistic missile systems capable of intercepting nuclear warheads. Strategic planners feared that effective ABM defenses would undermine mutual deterrence by encouraging the deployment of ever-larger offensive nuclear arsenals to overwhelm defensive screens.
On May 26, 1972, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in Moscow, limiting each side to two ABM complexes (later reduced to one in 1974), each with no more than 100 interceptor missiles, specific radar installations, and a prohibition on mobile ABM systems.
The treaty remained in force for 30 years, stabilizing the nuclear balance by constraining defensive systems and reducing pressure to expand offensive arsenals. The United States withdrew unilaterally in June 2002 under the Bush administration, citing rogue-state threats, after which it deployed the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system, while Russia maintained the A-135 system around Moscow.
Political Outcome
Treaty ratified and in force 1972–2002; each party limited to one ABM complex after 1974; US withdrew June 2002, terminating the treaty.
Unconstrained development of anti-ballistic missile systems by both superpowers
Mutual limitation to one ABM complex each, stabilizing the nuclear deterrence balance for three decades