Russian submarine “Khabarovsk” begins sea trials with Poseidon nuclear weapons

Russia’s “Khabarovsk” submarine, known by the nickname “the Apocalypse submarine” because of its capacity to carry Poseidon nuclear torpedoes, has gone to sea for the first time to undergo testing. The move is seen as another demonstration of Moscow’s military capabilities in the face of the West.

With a displacement of around 10,000 tons, the “Khabarovsk” sailed toward the White Sea last week, where trials of its weapons system have begun. According to data published by Russia, the submarine can be equipped with up to six Poseidon torpedoes, nuclear-powered underwater weapons that Moscow claims could cause extensive damage to coastal areas.

The Poseidons are reported to have a range of more than 6,000 miles, or approximately 9,650 kilometers, and are designed to travel at great depths beneath the sea’s surface. Experts have warned that the use of such a powerful nuclear weapon could have serious consequences for coastal areas and cause radioactive contamination.

The “Khabarovsk” trials are taking place amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, at a time when the United Kingdom continues to support Ukraine.

Russian state television has also issued threats against London. Presenter Vladimir Solovyov has called for Britain to be struck with a Poseidon, using harsh language against the country.

The Russian Embassy has also issued warnings, stating that increased British aid to Ukraine would be accompanied by a higher “price” for the United Kingdom.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has dismissed these threats and stressed that London will not halt its support for Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously stated that the Poseidon cannot be intercepted or stopped, saying that “there is no way to stop it.” However, this claim has not been independently confirmed.

Development of the Poseidon program dates back to the early 2000s, and Moscow has presented it as one of the most advanced systems in its nuclear arsenal.

Former Russian President and Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev has described the Poseidon as an “Apocalypse weapon.” Meanwhile, Russian media have repeatedly claimed that the weapon could be used against the United Kingdom.

Military analyst Dr. Richard Connolly, a Russia specialist and associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), believes that the way Moscow promotes the Poseidon is connected more to nuclear deterrence and propaganda than to a direct plan to attack Britain.

Connolly estimates that a Russian attack on Britain with such a weapon would trigger a nuclear response from the United Kingdom’s Trident arsenal.

According to the analyst, the Poseidon is a highly specialized system produced in limited numbers. Despite this, its mere existence could prompt NATO to spend considerable sums creating countermeasures.

“We are in a very dangerous situation now,” the expert warned, expressing concern about a further escalation of tensions between Russia and the West.