Russia tests nuclear-powered super torpedo ‘Poseidon’, says Valdimir Putin

Russia President Vladimir Putin

Russia has successfully conducted a test of its nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered underwater drone Poseidon, President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday — marking the country’s second test of a strategic nuclear-capable weapon within a week.

Putin said the Poseidon’s capabilities surpass those of Russia’s Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, underscoring Moscow’s ongoing efforts to advance its strategic deterrence systems.

"Yesterday, another test was conducted for another prospective system — the unmanned underwater device 'Poseidon,' also equipped with a nuclear power unit," Putin said, adding there was "no way to intercept" the drone.

"Poseidon’s capacity significantly exceeds that of Sarmat," he noted during a meeting with service members.

The Russian president stressed the importance of ensuring that the country’s military personnel remain informed about the latest strategic weapons. "You are fighting on the frontline, risking your lives. And you certainly think about what you are doing it for and to what extent the nation is capable of continuing your efforts, as you put your lives and health at risk to protect the country, and to what extent it is capable of moving forward, increasing its defense capability and growing stronger. These are some elements related to this work," Putin concluded.

While few technical details about Poseidon are publicly known, defense analysts describe it as an autonomous, nuclear-capable torpedo capable of unleashing massive radioactive ocean swells, potentially rendering entire coastal cities uninhabitable.