Shortwave radio station UVB-76, also ominously dubbed “The Doomsday Radio Station” or simply “The Buzzer,” made headlines once again with a bizarre and chilling transmission of multiple coded messages on April 14.
In a rare and unusual burst of activity, the station broadcast four distinct messages at separate times throughout the day, sparking a new wave of speculation across the globe.
Breakdown of April 14 UVB-76 Transmissions
The messages were heard at the following Moscow times:
- 10:54 AM — Message: “Neptune”
- 3:48 PM — Message: “Thymus”
- 5:17 PM — Message: “Foxcoat”
- 6:41 PM — Message: “Nutobucks”
Each message was preceded and followed by the station’s characteristic buzzing tone. While “Neptune” and “Thymus” might be code names, the cryptic words “Foxcoat” and “Nutobucks” have sparked particular curiosity and concern among conspiracy theorists, radio enthusiasts, and geopolitical analysts.
What Could “Foxcoat” and “Nutobucks” Mean
Foxcoat and Nutobucks appear to be carefully crafted codewords, possibly part of a military encryption protocol or a covert communication channel used for strategic purposes.
Foxcoat could imply a camouflaged operation or stealth protocol. The term evokes images of deceptive protection — a “coat” worn by a “fox” — suggesting espionage, infiltration, or concealed movement. In intelligence circles, such terms often serve as codenames for clandestine missions, reconnaissance efforts, or disinformation campaigns.
Nutobucks, on the other hand, is even more puzzling. It may reference an encrypted financial operation, a digital transaction trigger, or a logistical code used for resource movement under crisis scenarios. The juxtaposition of “Nuto” (possibly related to NATO or nuclear terminology) and “bucks” (a slang for money or value) has led some to speculate it could indicate a funding operation related to military assets or emergency stockpile deployments.
Both terms are likely placeholders or keys in a broader cipher system that has yet to be cracked by outside observers.
The Origins of UVB-76: A Soviet-Era Mystery That Lives On
UVB-76 has been broadcasting from somewhere in Russia since the 1970s, initially operating on the shortwave frequency of 4,625 kHz. The signal consists primarily of a monotonous buzzing sound, which is only occasionally interrupted by mysterious voice messages, often containing names, numbers, and odd phrases. The station has no official purpose disclosed by the Russian government, but numerous theories have attempted to explain its function.
One of the most widely accepted — and most terrifying — explanations is that UVB-76 is part of the Perimeter system, also known as “Dead Hand.” This Cold War-era automatic nuclear retaliation system is designed to ensure a second-strike capability in the event that Russian command and control infrastructure is destroyed in a nuclear attack. If the buzzing stops, it could signal that the chain of command has been severed, triggering an automated nuclear response.
Activity Spikes Signal Global Tensions
UVB-76’s activity seems to correlate with heightened geopolitical tensions. During February 2025, as negotiations between the United States and Russia resumed amidst global instability, the station broadcasted 46 times in a single month. On February 12, coinciding with a high-profile phone call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, the station issued a record-breaking 25 separate transmissions — igniting panic and speculation online.
The pattern suggests that UVB-76 may be a real-time communication or readiness signal system, possibly tied to Russia’s nuclear posture or intelligence operations.
Voices from the AI Frontier: What Chatbots Say About Doomsday Radio
With growing public interest, major AI platforms were queried about the true nature of UVB-76:
Google Gemini identified it as an automated control system for a nuclear retaliatory strike, likely developed by the Soviet Union.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT described UVB-76 as a backup communication channel possibly linked to the “Dead Hand” and comparable to U.S. emergency broadcast systems used with nuclear submarines.
Elon Musk’s Grok 3 confirmed that the station is still active, with peaks of messaging in recent conflicts, referencing bizarre words like “billiards,” “grabbing,” and “squeaking.”
China’s DeepSeek AI focused on the cultural impact, citing games and films that reference the Buzzer’s frequency, and suggested the use of ultra-long-wave frequencies to reach underground bunkers.
Sber’s GigaChat gave perhaps the darkest analysis, suggesting UVB-76 might be part of an experimental mind-control program, spy signal network, or military communication testbed.
Are We Nearing Doomsday, or Just Hearing Static?
Despite its ominous nickname, UVB-76 has never been directly linked to an actual nuclear strike, and over the decades, its eerie transmissions have become part of radio lore. However, each burst of activity — especially ones containing strange keywords like “Foxcoat” and “Nutobucks” — rekindles fears and theories.
From theories of ESP experiments to covert spy messaging, the Buzzer continues to defy explanation. While amateur radio experts often try to dismiss these transmissions as routine or even coincidental, the timing, terminology, and secrecy surrounding them make UVB-76 a symbol of the Cold War that refuses to fade.
Could the Doomsday Clock be ticking louder through static?
