Experts Assess Accuracy of ‘A House of Dynamite’ Nuclear Attack

The portrayal of nuclear attack scenarios in media often raises questions about accuracy and realism. The recent film “A House of Dynamite” has come under scrutiny from experts who evaluate its depiction of a nuclear missile launch and the subsequent defense mechanisms. Experts aim to assess the accuracy of various elements presented in the film.

ICBM Launch: Unlikely Undetection

Experts argue that the film’s premise of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launching undetected is improbable. Professor Andrew Futter, a nuclear politics specialist at the University of Leicester, notes that numerous monitoring systems, including infra-red satellites and sea-based radar, are in place to detect such launches. “There aren’t really many blind spots in the Pacific,” he states.

Predicted Casualties and Weapon Capabilities

According to the film, the missile targets Chicago, projecting catastrophic consequences. It suggests that a megaton nuclear bomb would be used, capable of generating devastation roughly 100 times greater than that caused by the Hiroshima bombing. This implies fatalities exceeding 10 million, a stark contrast to Hiroshima’s toll of 140,000.

• Casualty estimates:
  • Chicago: Over 10 million
  • Washington D.C.: Around 6 million (with extensive burn injuries)
• Weapon Description:
  • Megaton bomb equivalent to 1 million tonnes of TNT
  • Comparison to Hiroshima’s Little Boy: 15,000 tonnes of TNT

While North Korea recently showcased its Hwasong-20 ICBM, its capabilities to deliver such a large payload remain uncertain.

Intercepting the Threat

The film highlights an interception attempt at Fort Greely, where Ground-Based Interceptor missiles are deployed. However, the success rate is portrayed as alarmingly low, at only 61%. An unnamed US expert criticizes this figure, clarifying that it stems from outdated test averages. He emphasizes that advancements have been made in intercept technology since the 1990s.

“The Pentagon is also working on next-generation interceptors that are significantly more capable,” he states, indicating that the film’s dramatic interception failures are exaggerated for cinematic effect.

Operational Response and Professionalism

Another element of the film under scrutiny is how it depicts the response of personnel during a crisis. Experts note that the chaos shown, with command staff apparently losing composure, does not reflect reality. While stress in high-stakes scenarios is inherent, professionals are trained to maintain their positions and explore all available options.

In conclusion, experts evaluate “A House of Dynamite” and find its portrayal of nuclear warfare to be riddled with inaccuracies. The film’s dramatization raises questions about the maintainability of such scenarios, reminding viewers to discern fiction from reality.