Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has successfully tested its Poseidon nuclear-powered autonomous torpedo, describing the trial as a “huge success.” The announcement was made during his visit to wounded soldiers at a Moscow hospital. Putin said the test, conducted on Tuesday, marks a significant technological milestone for the country’s defense capabilities.
Russia Tests Poseidon Nuclear Torpedo
Putin told the soldiers that the test involved not only launching the Poseidon from a submarine but also activating its nuclear power unit for the first time. “For the first time, we managed not only to launch it with a launch engine from a carrier submarine, but also to launch the nuclear power unit on which this device passed a certain amount of time. There is nothing like this,” he said.
The Russian president emphasized that Poseidon’s destructive power is unmatched and far greater than that of any intercontinental ballistic missile currently in Russia’s arsenal. “This is a huge success. The Poseidon’s power significantly exceeds the power of even our most promising Sarmat intercontinental range missile,” he added.
A Major Step in Russia’s Defense Strategy
The Poseidon test comes shortly after Russia confirmed the successful trial of another advanced weapon — the Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile. The Kremlin claims that Burevestnik can evade all existing missile defense systems, marking a new era of strategic deterrence.
Since introducing both weapons in 2018, Putin has consistently presented them as Russia’s response to the United States’ withdrawal from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and to NATO’s expansion near Russian borders. These weapons, according to Moscow, are meant to strengthen Russia’s nuclear deterrence and ensure strategic stability.
What Is Poseidon?
The Poseidon, also known by its development name Status-6 and NATO designation Kanyon, is an unmanned underwater vehicle powered by a miniature nuclear reactor. It is designed to carry nuclear warheads and operate autonomously, capable of traveling thousands of kilometers at great depths. The weapon can be launched from specialized submarines like the K-329 Belgorod.
Experts describe Poseidon as a “super-torpedo” that combines stealth, range, and destructive power. Russian state media reports suggest that it can generate massive radioactive tsunamis, potentially rendering coastal areas uninhabitable.
Military analysts see the Poseidon as a cornerstone of Russia’s evolving nuclear strategy — one that guarantees retaliation even if traditional missile systems are neutralized. By ensuring a second-strike capability, the weapon reinforces Russia’s status as a leading nuclear power.
With both Poseidon and Burevestnik now tested successfully, Russia appears to be signaling that it continues to advance its military technology despite Western sanctions and ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
