For Soviet science, the years of the Great Patriotic War were a time to search for and quickly implement the most daring scientific and technical solutions to speed our Victory. One such example was applied practical work on demagnetization of ships, headed personally by A.P. Aleksandrov. As a result, a system for protecting ships from magnetic mines was deployed, saving hundreds of vessels and countless lives. Despite the numerous important tactical tasks that the front urgently needed to address, Soviet scientists and the USSR leadership clearly identified a long-term strategic priority: the Soviet Atomic Project. Under the scientific leadership of I.V. Kurchatov, the task was successfully completed 7mdash; within six years, our country's nuclear shield was forged.