Russia has successfully completed a critical test of its ‘Poseidon’ nuclear-powered underwater drone, a weapon system President Vladimir Putin described as a monumental achievement. The announcement highlights Russia’s expanding strategic capabilities, following recent successful tests of other advanced weaponry like the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. Putin emphasized Poseidon’s unique advantages, stating its speed and operational depth make it impossible to intercept.
The ‘Poseidon,’ also known as Status-6, is an autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV) powered by a miniaturized nuclear reactor. This innovative propulsion system allows the drone to operate at extreme depths and for extended durations, far exceeding current military technologies. Russian media reports suggest its primary application involves detonating a substantial nuclear warhead near coastal areas, initiating devastating radioactive tsunamis that could permanently alter coastlines and render them uninhabitable.
During a meeting, Putin confirmed that the recent trial marked the first operational use of Poseidon’s nuclear power source. He also noted that the warhead’s yield is significantly greater than that of the advanced Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. This ‘super-torpedo’ is designed to be launched from specialized submarines, such as the K-329 Belgorod. Its designation as a ‘gray-area weapon’ by the US Naval Institute signifies its potential to bypass current international arms control frameworks, adding another layer of complexity to global security.