Russia tests nuclear-capable underwater drone, boasting unmatched speed and depth
The Poseidon drone, reportedly designed to explode and unleash a radioactive tsunami, marks Russia’s latest nuclear message to the West
Russia has conducted a successful test of a new atomic-powered and nuclear-capable underwater drone, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday, declaring that the new weapon cannot be intercepted.
Putin’s statement, which comes three days after he praised a successful test of a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, appears to be another message to US President Donald Trump that Russia is standing firm in its maximalist demands on Ukraine.
Speaking at a meeting with soldiers wounded in Ukraine, Putin said the Poseidon drone was tested while running on nuclear power for the first time Tuesday, describing it as unmatched in speed and depth.
He said the nuclear reactor that powers Poseidon is “100 times smaller” than those on submarines, and the power of its nuclear warhead is “significantly higher than that of our most advanced Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile”.
Putin first mentioned the underwater nuclear-powered drone in his 2018 state-of-the-nation address along with other prospective weapons. Russian media reported that Poseidon was designed to explode near coastlines and unleash a powerful radioactive tsunami.