ChatGPT | Which countries did the United States consider for missile base deployment between 1960 and 1970?

During the 1960s, the United States actively explored or negotiated the possibility of establishing, maintaining, or denying missile bases (nuclear and conventional) in multiple countries. This was part of Cold War containment strategy, particularly to deter the USSR and China.

Here’s a clear breakdown by region and case, focusing on 1960–1970:

1. Europe

Primary rationale: Strategic deterrence against the Soviet Union.
Examples:

  • Italy & Turkey (1961–1963): The U.S. deployed PGM-19 Jupiter medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), each capable of carrying nuclear warheads. These were later withdrawn as part of the Cuban Missile Crisis settlement (1962–1963).
  • United Kingdom: Hosted Thor IRBMs (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles) from 1959–1963 under Project Emily, jointly operated with the RAF.
  • West Germany: Hosted U.S. nuclear artillery and Pershing short-range systems, though full ICBM sites were never built there.

2. Asia & the Pacific

Rationale: Deterrence against China and the USSR’s eastern expansion.
Examples:

  • Japan & Okinawa: U.S. stored nuclear-tipped missiles and bombs; Okinawa hosted Mace B cruise missiles aimed at China and North Korea until 1972.
  • South Korea: U.S. stationed Honest John and Sergeant missiles with nuclear capability starting in the early 1960s.
  • Taiwan: Discussions occurred about nuclear-capable Matador missiles and radar systems, though full basing was avoided to prevent escalation with Beijing.
  • Guam & the Philippines: Contained major logistics, radar, and potential missile support bases (but not ICBMs).

3. Latin America & the Caribbean

Rationale: Counter-Soviet influence after the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).
Examples:

  • Suriname / Guyana / Brazil: There were rumors and feasibility studies (especially around 1960–1961) concerning potential missile tracking or airstrip support bases near the equator (for better launch trajectories), but no confirmed missile base construction occurred.
  • Cuba: The Soviet Union’s installation of missiles in 1962 triggered the crisis; the U.S. in turn strengthened radar and naval assets across the Caribbean.

4. Africa & the Middle East

Rationale: Space tracking, surveillance, and global coverage.
Examples:

  • Morocco: Hosted Atlas and Titan missile tracking stations at Sidi Slimane and Benguerir until 1963.
  • Ethiopia & Libya: Hosted radar and communication stations that formed part of the global early warning system, not missile launch sites.
  • Israel & Iran: Both had limited discussions or cooperation regarding missile technology; the U.S. supplied Hawk and Nike missiles but no U.S.-controlled bases.

5. Other Strategic Concepts

  • The U.S. Air Force (USAF) and NASA evaluated several “equatorial launch” locations between 1959 and 1962 — including French Guiana, Suriname, and northeastern Brazil — for possible missile test or space launch bases, due to proximity to the equator.
    • These appear in CIA and NASA feasibility studies (many now declassified) related to Operation Grasshopper and early space tracking networks.
    • However, none of these studies led to actual missile base construction.

Summary

RegionPurposeExamplesOutcome
EuropeDeterrence vs. USSRUK, Italy, TurkeyBuilt and later withdrawn
AsiaDeterrence vs. China/NKJapan, Korea, OkinawaBuilt, operational
Latin AmericaTracking & potential launch zonesSuriname, Brazil, Guyana (studies only)Never built
Africa/MideastTracking & logisticsMorocco, Libya, EthiopiaOperated as radar/relay, not missile bases

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Date:
October 5, 2025
Categories:
Tags:
Atlas F, Operation Grasshopper
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