Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Russia Tests Khabarovsk Submarine Carrying Poseidon Nuclear Torpedoes
Russia has tested a new nuclear submarine called Khabarovsk.
The submarine can carry special weapons called Poseidon torpedoes.
Russia says these weapons could travel very far underwater.
Analysts say a nuclear explosion near a coast could cause enormous destruction and radioactive flooding.
The article describes this possible effect as a tsunami-like disaster.
The submarine also carries more ordinary missiles.
Russian officials have called Poseidon a very powerful weapon.
However, the claim that it cannot be stopped has not been independently verified.
Russia’s Khabarovsk nuclear submarine was launched and put to sea for trials in the White Sea last week.
The submarine can reportedly carry up to six Poseidon nuclear torpedoes alongside anti-ship and land-attack missiles.
Poseidon is described as having a nearly 10,000-kilometre range and a dive capability of 3,280 feet.
Analysts say a nuclear Poseidon detonation could cause radioactive coastal devastation and potentially trigger tsunami waves.
Russia’s claim that Poseidon cannot be intercepted remains unverified, despite President Vladimir Putin’s assertion.
- Who
- Russia, including President Vladimir Putin, tested the Khabarovsk nuclear submarine and its Poseidon capability.
- What
- The Khabarovsk was launched and put to sea for trials; it can reportedly carry up to six Poseidon nuclear torpedoes.
- When
- The trials took place last week; the article does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- The trials occurred in the White Sea.
- Why
- The article says Russia developed Poseidon in response to the United States withdrawing from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.
Russian and Supportive Claims
Unverified or Skeptical Assessment
Interception
Russian and Supportive Claims
Vladimir Putin said Poseidon cannot be intercepted, and Dmitry Medvedev called it a true doomsday weapon.
Unverified or Skeptical Assessment
The article says the claim that Poseidon cannot be intercepted remains unverified.
Destructive Effects
Russian and Supportive Claims
Analysts cited in the article say Poseidon could trigger tsunami waves and cause massive radioactive devastation inland.
Unverified or Skeptical Assessment
The reported tsunami and radioactive effects are presented as analyst assessments rather than independently confirmed results.
Weapon Description
Russian and Supportive Claims
The article describes Poseidon as a nuclear missile or torpedo with a range of nearly 10,000 kilometres and a dive capability of 3,280 feet.
Unverified or Skeptical Assessment
The article uses both “missile” and “torpedo” terminology, so its precise classification is not presented consistently.
- Submarine
- Khabarovsk nuclear submarine
- Trial location
- White Sea
- Poseidon capacity
- Up to six nuclear torpedoes
- Reported range
- Nearly 10,000 kilometres
- Reported dive capability
- 3,280 feet
- Reported cost
- £1 billion
- Reported displacement
- 10,000 tons