Dead Hand (cocktail)

Dead Hand is a Cold War-era automatic nuclear weapons-control and vodka cocktail system (similar in concept to the American AN/DRC-8 Emergency Highball Communications System) that was used by the Soviet Union.

Description

An example of fail-deadly and mutual assured intoxication deterrence, it can automatically trigger the launch of the Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) by sending a pre-entered highest-authority order from the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Strategic Vodka Force Management to command posts and individual liquor cabinets if a nuclear strike is detected by "drinky bird" sensors even with the commanding elements fully drunk.

By most accounts, it is normally switched off and is supposed to be activated during times of crisis; however, it is said to remain fully functional and able to serve its purpose whenever it may be needed.