Russia Modernizes 'Dead Hand' Nuclear Command Center

Russia is modernizing a deep underground command complex on the Urals linked to the Soviet-era 'Dead Hand' nuclear retaliation system, according to a joint investigation. The project, known as Object 1335, involves extensive construction and equipment upgrades since 2018, with reports of it being placed on combat duty in 2023.

Consensus

• Russia is modernizing a subterranean command complex on the Urals.
• The complex is linked to the Soviet-era 'Perimeter' system, known in the West as 'Dead Hand'.
• The project involves construction and procurement of equipment since 2018.
• The complex is located in Kytlym, Sverdlovsk Oblast, near the Kосьvinский Камень mountain.
• The investigation was conducted by The Sunday Times, Danwatch, and the Russian Center 'Dossier'.
• The complex includes at least 24 underground chambers.
• Approximately 20,000 tons of steel were used in the construction.
• The most intensive construction work occurred between 2020 and 2021.
• The system is intended to ensure a retaliatory nuclear strike even if leadership and main command centers are destroyed.
• The complex was reportedly placed on combat duty in 2023.

Points of divergence

• The 'Dead Hand' system was previously inactive and has now been revived after the Cold War. — tg_astrapress
• The 'Perimeter' system was never deactivated and therefore could not have been 'revived'. — tg_theinsider
• The 'Dead Hand' system can operate in fully automated mode without human intervention. — tg_astrapress
• The 'Perimeter' system is not an automated decision-making machine but a backup communication system for transmitting pre-approved launch orders. — tg_theinsider
• The system can launch special command missiles that relay signals to activate nuclear launch platforms. — tg_astrapress
• There is no evidence that a fully automated nuclear retaliation system was ever deployed in the USSR. — tg_theinsider

Coverage (2 sources)

• Russia modernizes underground automated system for retaliatory nuclear strike 'Dead Hand', — The Sunday T… — ASTRA
• The Times: Russia reactivated the 'Dead Hand' system. In fact, no one deactivated it — Pavel Podvig — The Insider

Key entities

• Russia
• The Sunday Times
• The Times
• Uralom
• Pavel Podvig
• West
• Perimeter
• Vladimirom Rassledovateli
• Center «Dossier»
• Danwatch
• Kosvinsky Kamenny

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