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The issue of deterrence – achieving or resetting – is a constant thought at the strategic level. This article provides a contemporary examination of the V-Force asking to what extent it represented a capable and independent nuclear deterrent. In examining the underlying political, economic and service dynamics of the time, set against a rapidly developing Soviet threat, attempted mitigation measures such as Project E and the impact of changing of tactics to low level operations, it concludes that the V-Force was likely to have been operationally incapable of conducting the nuclear strike mission it was assigned. However, as a geopolitical enabler it was extremely capable, enhancing the UK-US Special Relationship and helping to lock the US into the defence of Britain and Europe in the post-Suez era of uncertainty surrounding US intentions.