Why were strategic weapons systems designed with secure communications and backup controls?

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rocket and missile system U.S. soldiers firing an FGM-148 Javelin antitank guided missile during training in Grafenwöhr, Ger., 2006.

Strategic weapons systems were designed with secure communications and backup controls primarily to implement "fail-safe" engineering. Because these systems involve the management of thermonuclear warheads, the highest priority is to minimize the risk that a computer failure, technical malfunction, or simple accident could trigger a major catastrophe.1

By establishing an intricate network of secure communications between civil and military commanders, as well as providing backup computer facilities, operators ensure that the system remains under reliable control. These measures are essential to prevent any component failure from having lethal, unintended consequences.1