DEW line meaning

The DEW line refers to the Distant Early Warning Line, a system of radar stations established in the Arctic to detect incoming Soviet missiles during the Cold War.


DEW line definitions

Word backwards WED enil
Part of speech "DEW line" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division DEW line Syllable separation: DEW line
Plural The plural of DEW line is DEW lines.
Total letters 7
Vogais (3) e,i,e
Consonants (5) d,e,w,l,n

What is DEW Line?

The Distant Early Warning Line, commonly referred to as the DEW Line, was a system of radar stations established in the far northern Arctic region of Canada, Alaska, and Greenland during the Cold War. The primary purpose of the DEW Line was to provide early detection and warning of any incoming Soviet aircraft or missiles, offering a crucial line of defense for North America.

History of DEW Line

The construction of the DEW Line began in the early 1950s, with the United States, Canada, and Denmark collaborating on the project. The line consisted of a series of radar stations stretching approximately 3,000 miles across the Arctic region. These stations were positioned to provide overlapping coverage, ensuring that any threats would be detected and tracked.

Role of DEW Line

The DEW Line played a significant role in the defense strategy during the Cold War, providing critical intelligence to North American defense forces. The radar stations were manned by military personnel who constantly monitored the skies for any signs of Soviet aircraft. In the event of a potential threat, the information gathered by the DEW Line would be relayed to military command centers for further action.

Legacy of DEW Line

While technological advancements have rendered the original DEW Line obsolete, its legacy lives on in the history of Cold War defense. The DEW Line demonstrated the importance of early warning systems in protecting nations from potential threats. Today, the Arctic region continues to play a strategic role in international security, with modern systems taking the place of the historic DEW Line.

Overall, the DEW Line serves as a reminder of the lengths nations went to during the Cold War to safeguard their borders and citizens. Its impact on military strategy and Arctic security is still felt today, showcasing the enduring legacy of this historic radar system.


DEW line Examples

  1. The DEW line was a system of radar stations established in the Arctic during the Cold War.
  2. The military used the DEW line to detect potential incoming threats from the north.
  3. The DEW line played a crucial role in monitoring airspace for signs of enemy aircraft.
  4. Many countries collaborated to maintain and operate the DEW line network.
  5. The DEW line helped provide early warning of possible aerial attacks.
  6. Technological advancements eventually made the DEW line obsolete.
  7. The DEW line remains a significant part of Cold War history.
  8. Some of the original DEW line stations have been preserved as historical sites.
  9. The DEW line serves as a reminder of the tensions between superpowers during the Cold War.
  10. Visiting a DEW line station can offer insight into the challenges of early warning systems.


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  • Updated 23/04/2024 - 02:09:10