Russia's latest nuclear-armed submarine, the Khabarovsk, has begun trials in the White Sea, according to reports. The 10,000-ton, 135-meter-long vessel is designed to carry six Poseidon nuclear torpedoes, each with a two-megaton yield.
The Poseidon torpedoes, described as 'Doomsday' weapons, are designed to travel underwater at speeds of approximately 70 knots and at depths of up to 1,000 meters, with an effectively unlimited range due to their onboard nuclear reactors. Unlike traditional missiles, they are intended to self-detonate, potentially triggering a radioactive tsunami capable of rendering coastal areas uninhabitable for generations.
The Khabarovsk, named after Russian explorer Yerofey Khabarov, is a specialized vessel built on a design similar to Russia's Borei-A class submarines but with modifications to accommodate the Poseidon torpedoes. While the Belgorod submarine can also carry Poseidon weapons, the Khabarovsk reportedly carries twice the number.
Construction on the Khabarovsk began in 2014, with a reported contract value of one billion dollars awarded to the Rubin Design Bureau. Delays, potentially attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic pressures following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, pushed its completion past its initial 2020 target. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that there are "no ways to intercept" such weapons.
The submarine requires a crew of 100 and can remain at sea for up to 120 days. Its propulsion system utilizes a single-shaft pump jet, which is designed to reduce underwater noise compared to traditional propellers, making it harder to detect. The Poseidon launchers are located at the enlarged bow of the vessel.
Reports suggest that two additional nuclear-armed submarines, the Ulyanovsk and Orenburg, are also under construction. Concerns have been raised by some defense experts regarding Britain's preparedness for such advanced weaponry, contrasting current capabilities with those during the Cold War.