Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Wednesday that the country has successfully tested its nuclear-capable underwater drone, Poseidon. He described this development as a significant milestone in Russia’s strategic weapons program, as reported by Reuters.
Putin mentioned, “For the first time, we not only succeeded in launching using a launch engine from a carrier-based submarine, we also successfully launched a nuclear-powered unit using this device for a certain period of time.” He emphasized the drone’s capabilities, suggesting, “Poseidon’s power significantly exceeds even the most promising Sarmat intercontinental missile,” referring to the model commonly known as Satan II.
Initially revealed in 2018, Poseidon is intended to utilize nuclear propulsion for rapid movement across oceans while carrying a large warhead. Russian officials claim it can create destructive radioactive waves targeting coastal areas, but independent verification of its operational status is lacking.
Additionally, Putin highlighted advancements in other strategic systems, including the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. Reportedly, this missile can evade defenses and fly indefinitely, with a test flight announced earlier this week amidst a broader show of nuclear capabilities that raised eyebrows in Western countries.
On Monday, former President Donald Trump addressed Russia’s recent arms tests while on an Air Force plane, urging Putin to prioritize ending the war in Ukraine. He stated that the U.S. does not need to sail 8,000 miles as it has nuclear submarines situated just off its coast.
Trump remarked, instead of concentrating on missile advancements, Putin ought to “end the war… a war that was supposed to last a week and is now in its fourth year.”
In recent reports, Moscow has intensified its military operations in eastern Ukraine, claiming control over multiple frontline villages and progressing toward the important city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Earlier, Putin asserted that Russian forces have taken about 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land since the year’s start, a claim Ukraine disputes.
U.S. and NATO officials have not confirmed the Poseidon test independently, and the Pentagon has chosen not to provide comments.
