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Dmitry Medvedev alerted of the Soviet-era “Dead Hand” system, an automatic nuclear retaliation system, in reaction to Donald Trump’s talk about nuclear war
Medvedev, who presently acts as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, made his caution after Trump made intriguing remarks about nuclear circumstances including Russia
A puzzling caution from Russia’s previous President Dmitry Medvedev has actually reignited worries around among the most frightening weapons systems in history. Responding to current remarks by Donald Trump about nuclear war, Medvedev warned, “Be scared of Dead Hand”. The phrase may sound like something out of a Cold War thriller, but the threat it represents is disturbingly real, and global in scale.
What Is ‘Dead Hand’?
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Officially known as the Perimeter System, the “Dead Hand” is a semi-automated Soviet-era nuclear command and control system established in the 1980s. Its function? To ensure that even if Russia’s whole management were erased in a surprise nuclear strike, its vindictive rockets would still release.
At its core, the system was created as a last-resort deterrent, a sort of end ofthe world system that guarantees no nuclear attack versus Russia might ever go unpunished. If sensing units spot indications of a nuclear attack (such as extreme seismic activity, spikes in radiation, or an interactions blackout), and if all command lines go quiet, “Dead Hand” can initiate a retaliatory strike without any human intervention.
The Soviet Union’s Answer To Worst-Case Scenario
The system was created during the height of the Cold War, when fears of a decapitating first strike by the United States ran high. Soviet military planners worried that a surprise attack could neutralise the Kremlin’s leadership before a counterattack could be ordered. Their solution was to design an automated “revenge machine” that might act even if everybody in charge was dead.
How It Works
When triggered, “Dead Hand” monitors a web of data points – ground tremors, atmospheric radiation, pressure changes, and military communication lines. If the system concludes that a nuclear attack has occurred and receives no response from Russian leadership, it signals strategic missile units to fire. Some versions of the system reportedly use a command missile that flies across Russia, broadcasting launch codes to nuclear silos as it goes.
According to reports, the system can target key cities and military installations in the US and NATO countries. Its deployment locations and protocols remain highly classified.
Is It Still Active?
Russia has never officially confirmed whether the system remains operational, but most defense analysts believe it does, and that it has been significantly modernised since the 1980s. Some speculate it is now partially integrated with artificial intelligence and satellite surveillance systems to make it faster and more reliable. Medvedev’s recent comments strongly imply the system is still in place.
Why Did Medvedev Bring It Up?
Medvedev, who currently serves as the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, made his warning after Trump made provocative remarks about nuclear scenarios involving Russia. Without naming specifics, Trump reportedly claimed that the US would be prepared for any situation. In response, Medvedev’s message was blunt, any “big move” by the United States might set off “Dead Hand”, and once triggered, there’s no turning back.
A Global Threat
What makes “Dead Hand” distinctively scary is the near-absence of human decision-making once it’s triggered. If its sensing units are deceived, whether by natural catastrophes, cyberattacks, or technical problems, it might possibly introduce a nuclear holocaust on auto-pilot. Specialists call it among the most hazardous antiques of the Cold War still around.
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- Place:
Russia
- Released:
August 04, 2025, 17:40 IST
News world What Is ‘Dead Hand’, Russia’s Doomsday Nuclear Trigger Warning To Trump?
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