Russia Prepares For Nuclear War

One sign is a new Russian underground command and control centre, known as Kosvinskiy Mountain, that has been built in the Urals. It is "one of the main new elements" of the Russian underground nuclear command and control architecture that has emerged since the Soviet Union dissolved, US Navy Adm William Studeman, then Acting Director of Central Intelligence, told the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this year.

The statements were in reply to SASC questions following public hearings in January. The answers and parts of the classified closed hearing that followed the public session, were released recently.

"While some of this construction appears to be the continuation of programmes started long before the break-up, it still appears to be high-priority to correct perceived vulnerabilities in their nuclear command and control system," said Adm Studeman.

"Preparedness for nuclear conflict with the United States - not withstanding the end of the Cold War - remains a resource allocation priority."

Lt Gen James Clapper, who was Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency during the hearing, told the committee the bunker facility "will be a new part of Russia's multi-billion dollar effort" to modernize its nuclear infrastructure.

The Russians appear to be seeking to improve their ability to absorb a nuclear strike, reducing their incentives for early nuclear use.