Russia has revived and expanded a Cold War-era nuclear command system designed to enable retaliatory strikes in the event of a nuclear attack, according to an investigation by The Sunday Times, Danwatch and the Dossier Center.

Axar.az reports that the investigation focuses on Facility 1335 beneath Kosvinsky Kamen in Russia’s Ural Mountains, where a vast underground complex has reportedly been constructed and heavily fortified.

The system, known in the West as “Dead Hand” and in Russia as “Perimeter,” was designed to maintain nuclear command capabilities if Russia’s leadership and communications were destroyed.

An analysis of about 2.5 million Russian documents and public records found evidence of extensive construction and procurement activity at the site since 2011, with the heaviest phase taking place in 2020-2021. The documents refer to at least 24 underground chambers and large quantities of steel, concrete, cables and equipment.

The investigation also found evidence that the facility has been modernized and is now associated with a larger military complex. Russian military publications indicate that Facility 1335 was placed on combat duty in 2023.

To access the report, click here.