Russia has launched its newest nuclear-powered submarine, Khabarovsk, designed to carry the Poseidon underwater nuclear drone, a weapon some Russian officials have described as capable of “wiping out” entire coastal nations.

The submarine was launched at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk during a ceremony attended by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Naval Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, and other senior officials.

Belousov said that the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Khabarovsk was launched from the stern of the renowned Sevmash yard.

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the submarine is equipped to carry underwater weapons and robotic systems to strengthen Russia’s maritime security and protect its national interests across the world’s oceans.

The vessel was designed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering and is intended to handle a variety of naval missions using modern underwater technologies.

Sevmash, the same shipyard that had previously retrofitted India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, constructed the new vessel. The Defence Ministry stated that Khabarovsk will act as a carrier for advanced underwater weapons and robotic systems capable of operating in various maritime regions.

Russian state media outlet TASS reported that Belousov highlighted the importance of the submarine in enhancing the country’s naval capabilities. Business daily Kommersant mentioned that the Khabarovsk-class submarines are expected to serve as the main carriers of the Poseidon underwater drone.

Last week, Russia announced that it had successfully tested the Poseidon drone, which is powered by a nuclear propulsion system. The system reportedly enables the drone to travel at great depths, exceed the speed of modern torpedoes, and cover intercontinental distances.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the test involved launching the Poseidon from a “mother submarine.” He stated that the drone is powered by a nuclear reactor much smaller than that used in strategic submarines.

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has described the weapon as a “doomsday missile,” while Chair of the Duma Defence Committee Andrei Kartapolov reportedly said it could “wipe out entire coastal nations.”

However, some experts outside the country have questioned the credibility of Moscow’s claims regarding the drone’s range and destructive capacity.

References: Firstpost, Hindustan Times