President Vladimir Putin has announced Russia’s successful test of its advanced nuclear-powered underwater drone, dubbed ‘Poseidon.’ This cutting-edge autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV) is designed for strategic devastation, capable of delivering a powerful nuclear warhead. Putin declared the test, which saw the drone operate on its nuclear power for the first time, a ‘huge success,’ adding that the weapon is virtually uninterceptable due to its remarkable speed and depth capabilities.
This latest military milestone comes just days after Russia confirmed the successful test of its nuclear-powered cruise missile, Burevestnik. Together, these advancements underscore Russia’s commitment to developing and demonstrating novel strategic weapons. The Poseidon drone, also referred to by its development name Status-6, is envisioned to create massive radioactive tsunamis by detonating near enemy coastlines, thereby incapacitating critical infrastructure.
Putin elaborated on the drone’s propulsion system, noting that its nuclear reactor is considerably smaller than those on submarines but delivers a warhead payload exceeding that of the Sarmat ICBM. The system’s unique design, including its compact nuclear reactor, grants it nearly limitless operational range. Russian state media and defense analysts have described Poseidon as a ‘gray-area weapon,’ falling outside existing arms control treaties like New START. Plans to deploy a fleet of these drones are reportedly underway, though logistical hurdles may influence the deployment schedule.