'Poseidon': Russia 'successfully' tests nuclear-capable underwater drone

Russia has carried out a successful test of its nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered underwater drone known as “Poseidon,” President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday, marking the country’s second test of an advanced nuclear weapons system within days.

Putin revealed the test during a visit to a military hospital treating Russian soldiers injured in Ukraine. He said the underwater drone, equipped with a nuclear propulsion unit, was tested a day earlier and boasted capabilities beyond interception by existing defence systems.

According to the Russian president, Poseidon can travel faster than conventional submarines and reach targets across continents, with no comparable system in development anywhere else.

Russian state media, citing military-industrial sources, reported that the drone can operate at depths exceeding one kilometre and reach speeds of up to 70 knots while remaining virtually undetectable.

It is also designed to carry a nuclear warhead of up to two megatons.

The Poseidon project was first tested in 2018 and is part of Moscow’s broader push to develop next-generation strategic weapons. The latest test follows another launch overseen by Putin earlier in the week involving the Burevestnik cruise missile, which he said possesses an “unlimited range.” 

“This is a huge success,” Putin said, adding that the Poseidon’s power surpasses that of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.