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Saturday, March 3, 2018

Weapons

Kraken? Russians get mythical in contest to name nuclear weapons

A screengrab take from Russian promotional video footage shows a submarine launching an unmanned nuclear-power submersible, part of the range of weapons announced by Vladimir Putin.
In just one day, the suggestions have been pouring in for Russia’s new nuclear weapons: “Kraken” for a new underwater drone capable of blasting coastlines with a nuclear device. “Balalaika” for a futuristic nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of circling the globe.
Russians are showering the defence ministry with ideas, relishing the online contest announced by President Vladimir Putin in his state of the nation address on Thursday.
Many of the entries on Friday reflected a certain wry dark humour. Someone suggested calling the missile “Sanction”, an apparent reference to western economic sanctions against Russia for its support of separatists in Ukraine.
Another proposed calling it “Thaw”, adding in a note of sarcasm that it would finally help warm the ties between Russia and the US.
The kraken – a fictional gigantic Arctic sea monster – seemed to reflect the nature of the nuclear-powered drone intended to sneak close to the shore unnoticed and slam a heavy nuclear warhead into the coast.

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