- Britain has a large network of nuclear bunkers, ready in case of a nuclear threat from Vladimir Putin.
- Tensions have increased following US President Joe Biden’s approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia.
- Putin warned that allowing such strikes could mean NATO countries are at war with Russia.
- Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland have advised their citizens to prepare for war.
- The UK has 276 nuclear bunkers, many from the Cold War era, capable of protecting the population from radioactive fallout.
- Key bunkers include Pitreavie Castle Combined HQ and Brislington War Room, among others.
LONDON, Nov 21 (The Mirror):Britain has an extensive network of nuclear bunkers, potentially ready if Vladimir Putin resorts to nuclear warfare, as fears of conflict continue to escalate.
Tensions have heightened this week following US President Joe Biden’s approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia. In September, Putin warned that allowing such strikes could mean that NATO countries, including the US and European nations, are at war with Russia. In response, countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland have urged their citizens to prepare for war, distributing millions of safety pamphlets.
The UK, however, appears well-prepared for nuclear conflict, with a network of nuclear bunkers from the Cold War era. According to Subterranea Britannica, there are 276 bunkers across the nation, capable of shielding parts of the population from radioactive fallout, although some are no longer in use. In densely populated areas like London, there are dozens of bunkers, while smaller regions such as the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Man have fewer options.
Notable bunkers include Pitreavie Castle Combined HQ, formerly a rundown Scottish fortified house, and Brislington War Room, located near a small government estate south-east of Bristol city centre. Another significant site, the Cambridge Regional War Room, was rebuilt in 1963 and serves as one of three central command Armed Forces HQs. In Wales, Cardiff Coryton Regional War Room is conveniently close to Junction 32 of the M4 motorway. Several other bunkers are former RAF bases.
Meanwhile, Russia has started serial production of mobile nuclear shelters designed to protect against light radiation from nuclear explosions and radioactive contamination. These shelters, known as Kub-M, are manufactured in Dzerzhinsk and cost £300,000 each. They can be transported by road or rail, accommodate 54 people, and expand to hold up to 150 people with additional blocks if needed. The Kub-M shelters provide reliable protection against air shock waves, explosive and fragmentation effects of conventional weapons, falling debris, as well as toxic, chemical, and radioactive substances, and penetrating radiation. Once placed on a prepared site, the modules can connect to existing utility networks.
