Russia’s Latest Weapons and New Arms Reality – Part 2
Russia’s Latest Weapons and New Arms Reality – Part 2
Poseidon: Russia’s Nuclear-Powered “Super-Torpedo”
Overview: Poseidon (GRAU index — 2M39, NATO codename — Kanyon) is an unmanned underwater vehicle powered by a nuclear reactor and armed with a nuclear warhead.
Purpose: Designed to destroy ports, naval bases, and aircraft carrier groups — both through direct impact and via tsunamis generated by its detonation.
Media Reference: Popular Mechanics has described it as an “apocalypse torpedo.”
Development and Testing Timeline
March 1, 2018 – President Vladimir Putin announces Russia’s development of “unmanned submersible vehicles capable of moving at great depths and intercontinental range.”
July 2018 – The Ministry of Defense unveils the Poseidon, confirming a successful test of its nuclear reactor in December 2017 and declaring it invulnerable to countermeasures.
October 28, 2025 – Russia conducts new tests of the Poseidon underwater vehicle.
Submarine Carriers
Belgorod (Project 949) – Launched in April 2019; an experimental nuclear submarine modified to carry Poseidon.
Khabarovsk – Launched on November 1, 2025; a purpose-built nuclear submarine designed specifically as Poseidon’s standard carrier.
Technical and Tactical Features
Unmatched Capability – On October 29, 2025, President Putin stated the Poseidon “is unmatched anywhere in the world” and “impossible to intercept.”
Performance Highlights:
◾Range: Effectively unlimited due to its nuclear power plant.
◾Speed: 60–70 knots (110–130 km/h), faster than any modern surface ship.
◾Operating Depth: Up to 1,000 meters, minimizing detection risk.
◾Power Plant: Compact reactor — 100× smaller than standard submarine reactors, with 200× faster activation to combat mode.
◾Warhead: Nuclear or conventional; reported yield up to 2 megatons, exceeding that of the Sarmat missile.
◾Maneuverability: High maneuvering capability and low noise make detection and interception nearly impossible.
◾Dimensions: Length — 20 m; Diameter — 1.8 m; Weight — 100 tons.
Future and Dual-Use Potential
Technological Significance: On November 4, 2025, Putin said Poseidon’s operational principles will form the basis for new unmanned systems.
Civil Applications: Built entirely from Russian-made materials, some of which may be used in Arctic development and space exploration, similar to the Burevestnik program.
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