The Soviet Atomic Threat, Oppenheimer, and the Need for National Air Defense

Abstract

Widespread concern about the potential of a Soviet Union nuclear bomber threat prompted the Department of Defense (DoD) to initiate studies to evaluate the nation’s state of air defense against nuclear attack. This ultimately led to the creation of Project Lincoln and the establishment of Lincoln Laboratory.

In the summer of 1952, a group of scientists, engineers, and military personnel met at Lincoln Laboratory to consider ways to improve the air defense of North America. Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer visited the Laboratory to participate in this 1952 Summer Study, as did a number of other distinguished scientists. Oppenheimer became very concerned about the threat of air invasion after the summer study, and was a strong proponent for the programs established at Lincoln Laboratory.