NATO Accidentally Nearly Started Nuclear War

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]November 1983 NATO begins a military exercise [music] and the Soviet Union thinks nuclear war is about to start.

[00:00:09]The Cold War is already at a breaking point.

[00:00:11]>> [music] >> The US and Soviet Union deeply distrust each other.

[00:00:17]Just weeks earlier, a civilian airliner had been shot down by Soviet forces.

[00:00:22]Now NATO launches a war simulation [music] called Able Archer 83.

[00:00:27]But this exercise is different.

[00:00:30]More realistic than ever before. [music] Real military communication channels are used.

[00:00:36]Real code words.

[00:00:38]Real command procedures.

[00:00:39]>> [music] >> Even top political leaders participate.

[00:00:44]To NATO, it's only a drill.

[00:00:46]But Soviet intelligence sees something terrifying.

[00:00:50]>> [music] >> Exactly the same signals expected before a real nuclear attack.

[00:00:55]>> [music] >> Encrypted communications suddenly increase.

[00:01:00]Military command networks activate [music] simultaneously.

[00:01:04]Soviet leaders become convinced [music] this is a cover for an actual first strike.

[00:01:10]Nuclear-armed aircraft are placed on alert.

[00:01:13]Pilots prepare for launch.

[00:01:15]>> [music] >> For several days, the Soviet military operates at near war readiness.

[00:01:26]Then a secret Soviet double agent warns British intelligence what is happening.

[00:01:31]NATO quietly changes the exercise to appear less realistic.

[00:01:35]Slowly, the Soviets stand [music] down.

[00:01:39]Years later, officials realized how dangerously close both sides had come.

[00:01:44]A military drill nearly triggered nuclear war.