A new ‘Kraken’ arises? Russians eager to name new arms

MOSCOW — In just one day, the suggestions have been pouring in: “Kraken” for a new underwater drone capable of blasting coastlines with a powerful nuclear explosion. “Balalaika” for a futuristic nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of circling the globe.

Russians are showering the Defence Ministry with proposed names for the country’s new nuclear weapons, 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 the wry dark humour Russians are known for.

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 that was made popular by the Pirates of the Caribbean film series — 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.

And naming the stealth atomic-powered cruise missile after a Russian folk musical instrument tapped into a long Russian tradition of giving innocuous names to some of the deadliest weapons.

There were quite a few fourletter entries as well.