Russia has launched its latest nuclear submarine, the Khabarovsk, which is designed to carry the Poseidon "doomsday weapon." The 10,000-ton submarine was sent off for sea trials in the White Sea without fanfare, according to reports.
The Khabarovsk is capable of carrying up to six Poseidon nuclear torpedoes, in addition to conventional anti-ship and land-attack missiles. The Poseidon missiles are reported to have a range exceeding 6,000 miles and can operate at depths of up to 3,280 feet. Analysts suggest that an underwater detonation from a Poseidon missile could generate a radioactive surge, potentially creating massive tsunami waves capable of devastating coastal cities.
This development comes amid recent rhetoric from Russian state media, where some commentators have called for the use of the Poseidon missile against the United Kingdom in retaliation for its support of Ukraine. State TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov was quoted as saying, "Give the British three days to learn to breathe underwater, then hit them with Poseidon."
In 2025, President Vladimir Putin confirmed a Poseidon test, stating that it was launched from a submarine and its power reactor was activated. He described the weapon as unparalleled, claiming it is impossible to intercept. However, some critics have questioned the verifiability of this claim. Regardless of exact performance, its strategic purpose is clear, reportedly developed as a response to the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has referred to the Poseidon as a true "doomsday weapon." While Russian media commentators have suggested it could "drown Britain," Western analysts generally consider such scenarios exaggerated. However, they acknowledge the weapon's intended psychological impact. The missile itself is reported to be between 20 and 24 meters long with a diameter of approximately 2 meters.
Experts note that the scientific feasibility of generating a continent-spanning radioactive tsunami is uncertain, but some suggest this very uncertainty is part of the weapon's design. The potential consequences, even if only partially realized, could include the devastation of coastal cities, contamination of harbors, and long-term land toxicity.
Despite the potential threat, experts told The Telegraph that the actual use of the Poseidon missile in conflict is unlikely. Dr. Richard Connolly, an expert on Russian defense policy, described Poseidon as a "boutique capability," not produced in large numbers and reserved for extreme scenarios. He stated that any such use would likely trigger retaliation from Britain's Trident nuclear deterrent, a consequence Russia would seek to avoid.
The Khabarovsk submarine is estimated to have cost £1 billion. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov remarked earlier this year that the vessel, launched from the Sevmash shipyard, would be equipped with underwater weapons and robotic systems to secure Russia's maritime borders and protect its national interests globally.