Russian "Doomsday Weapon" Mother Ship Conducts Sea Trials

According to a report by Reference News Network on August 22, Russian news outlet Lenta reported on August 19 that the carrier of the "Poseidon" unmanned underwater vehicle, the nuclear submarine "Khabarovsk," has gone to sea. This is the first sea trial for the submarine since construction began in 2014. The "Poseidon" is referred to as Russia's "doomsday weapon."

The "Khabarovsk" can carry six "Poseidon" unmanned underwater vehicles—an autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with a nuclear power system, designed to complement the strategic nuclear weapon delivery system. It can operate underwater without following the ballistic trajectory of conventional intercontinental missiles.

According to estimates from the Belgian website "Army Recognition," the "Poseidon" can travel 10,000 kilometers in 90 hours. Its speed can reach 60 to 70 knots (approximately 110 to 130 kilometers per hour). Some experts estimate that its speed could even reach 100 knots.

The "Army Recognition" website stated: "The characteristics of the 'Poseidon' are more suitable for striking fixed geographic targets, which will not change coordinates even after the underwater vehicle has been traveling for 1 to 4 days. The 'Poseidon' can effectively strike naval bases, coastal military facilities, and industrial infrastructure."

Military expert Alexey Leonkov stated that Russia refers to this submarine, built specifically for the "Poseidon," as a "revenge weapon."

He said: "People fear it because there is no weapon that can counter the 'Poseidon.' The fastest torpedo—the one the Germans attempted to mass-produce—only reaches a speed of 90 kilometers per hour and is limited in depth, operating only at a depth of 400 meters. The 'Poseidon,' however, can operate at a depth of 1,000 meters."

Leonkov stated: "This means it cannot be hit, cannot be caught, and cannot be stopped from attacking. The 'Poseidon' can travel along complex routes, making it nearly impossible to detect. By the time the enemy discovers it, it will be too late to do anything."

The main task of the "Poseidon" is to destroy targets along the coastline: naval bases, large ports, and major naval strike groups. Each underwater vehicle can be assigned specific targets. Leonkov stated that they will be deployed after strategic nuclear weapons strike enemy territory. (Translated by He Yingjun)