Russia Successfully Tests Poseidon Nuclear-Powered Super Torpedo Capable of Devastating Coastal Regions

Strategic Insights -

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that his country had successfully tested the Poseidon nuclear-powered super torpedo, a new underwater nuclear-powered missile that military analysts say is capable of triggering vast radioactive ocean swells and devastating coastal regions. The test comes as the United States, under President Donald Trump, has toughened its rhetoric and stance on Russia, prompting Putin to publicly flex his nuclear muscles.

The Poseidon, named after the ancient Greek god of the sea, is essentially a nuclear-capable cross between a torpedo and a drone. Putin said the test had taken place on Tuesday, in which the nuclear power unit of the Poseidon "passed a certain amount of time" after being launched from a carrier submarine. He claimed there was no way to intercept the Poseidon, which analysts believe has a range of 10,000 km (6,200 miles) and can travel at about 185 km per hour.

The Poseidon and Burevestnik, another nuclear-powered cruise missile tested by Russia, are part of a broader nuclear arms race primarily between the United States, Russia, and China. According to Russian media, the Poseidon is 20 meters long, 1.8 meters in diameter, and weighs 100 tonnes. Arms control experts say the Poseidon breaks most of the traditional nuclear deterrence and classification rules, estimating it would carry a two-megaton warhead and is possibly powered with a liquid-metal-cooled reactor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Poseidon nuclear-powered super torpedo has been successfully tested by Russia, capable of triggering vast radioactive ocean swells and devastating coastal regions.
  • The Poseidon is a nuclear-capable cross between a torpedo and a drone, with a range of 10,000 km (6,200 miles) and speed of about 185 km per hour.
  • The test comes on the heels of Russia's Burevestnik cruise missile test and its announcement of nuclear launch drills.
  • The Poseidon breaks most of the traditional nuclear deterrence and classification rules, according to arms control experts.
  • The Poseidon is part of a broader nuclear arms race primarily between the United States, Russia, and China.
  • The Poseidon's power exceeds that of Russia's Sarmat intercontinental-range missile, according to Putin.
  • The test is seen as a response to US moves to build a missile defence shield and NATO's eastern enlargement, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine.
  • Trump has called on Putin to end the war in Ukraine instead of testing new nuclear-capable missiles.

Statistics:

  • 10,000 km (6,200 miles) - range of the Poseidon
  • 185 km per hour - speed of the Poseidon
  • 20 meters - length of the Poseidon
  • 1.8 meters - diameter of the Poseidon
  • 100 tonnes - weight of the Poseidon
  • 2 megatons - estimated warhead of the Poseidon
  • 1972 - year of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
  • 2001 - year of the US withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty

Sources:

  • Reuters - "Russia tests new nuclear-capable Poseidon super torpedo"
  • CNBC - "Russia says it's tested a new nuclear-capable super torpedo"
  • The Guardian - "Russia's Putin says country has successfully tested Poseidon nuclear-powered super torpedo"