What method did the Air Force use against the Soviet Union to assess enemy weapon strengths in the 1950s?

The method used by the Air Force against the Soviet Union in the 1950s to assess enemy weapon strengths was secret overflight. During the Cold War, especially in the 1950s, the United States utilized high-altitude reconnaissance missions with aircraft such as the U-2 to gather intelligence on Soviet military capabilities. These overflights were conducted at altitudes that were beyond the reach of most Soviet surface-to-air missile systems at the time, allowing for detailed photographic and electronic intelligence collection without detection.

Secret overflights provided crucial information about Soviet missile installations, troop movements, and other military assets, which was vital for U.S. national security and strategic planning. The success of these missions highlighted the importance of aerial reconnaissance in understanding potential adversaries' military strength and intentions. While satellite surveillance and electronic warfare became more prominent later, secret overflights in the 1950s were the primary method for gathering this type of intelligence on the Soviet Union. Ground reconnaissance and electronic warfare were less effective or not yet developed to the degree needed for comprehensive assessments during that specific period.