Russia announced on Wednesday the successful trial of a nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered underwater drone. The weapon, known as the Poseidon, represents a significant advancement in the nation’s arsenal.
Military experts believe this “super torpedo” has the capability to unleash massive, radioactive ocean swells. Such an event could easily devastate enemy coastal regions.
Poseidon Test Defies International Pressure
This test proceeded despite clear signals from the United States. Only days earlier, US President Donald Trump had publicly criticized Russia’s testing of another new nuclear weapon system as “not appropriate.”
The Poseidon test closely followed another high-profile military exercise. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally oversaw the trial of the Burevestnik cruise missile on Sunday. Putin claimed this cruise missile possesses an “unlimited range.”
Putin Hails Poseidon’s Unmatched Power
During televised remarks while visiting a military hospital, President Putin hailed the Poseidon trial as a “huge success.” He boasted that the drone torpedo’s capabilities are unique in the world:
- Speed and Depth: It is unmatched in its speed and its operating depth.
- Interception: Putin asserted that there is “no way to intercept it.”
- Power Output: He added that the power generated by Poseidon “significantly exceeds that of even our most advanced intercontinental-range missile, Sarmat.”
A Clear Message Amidst Ukraine Conflict
Military analysts interpret the testing of both the new cruise missile (Burevestnik) and the underwater drone (Poseidon) as a deliberate message. This show of force indicates that Russia will not yield to Western demands regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The US President recently cancelled a scheduled summit with Putin in Budapest. Trump cited the Russian leader’s unwillingness to compromise on ending the hostilities as the reason for scrapping the high-level meeting.