MOSCOW (AP) – President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia has successfully tested a new atomic-powered and nuclear-capable underwater drone, named Poseidon. He asserted that this new weapon is designed to be uncatchable, sending a clear message to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Russia's steadfast demands related to Ukraine.
Putin's remarks followed a successful test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile just three days prior. During a meeting with soldiers injured in Ukraine, he described the Poseidon drone as unmatched in terms of speed and operational depth, highlighting its capabilities as a breakthrough in military technology.
According to Putin, the nuclear reactor that powers the Poseidon drone is "100 times smaller" than those used in submarines. He claimed that the warhead's power significantly surpasses that of Russia's most advanced Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. The Poseidon drone was first introduced by Putin in his 2018 state-of-the-nation address, alongside other prospective weapons. Russian media has indicated that the Poseidon is designed to detonate near coastlines, creating a powerful radioactive tsunami.
While discussing the recent test conducted on Tuesday, Putin noted that Poseidon operated on nuclear power for the first time. He did not disclose the location of the test or provide further specifics. "For the first time, we managed not only to launch it from its carrier submarine… but also to activate its nuclear power unit, allowing the vehicle to operate for a certain period of time," he stated. He emphasized that there is nothing comparable to this unmanned vehicle currently available globally and expressed confidence in its ability to evade interception.
Reports from Russian media detail that the Poseidon drone can achieve speeds of up to 200 kph (124 mph), making it vastly faster than any existing torpedoes or warships. The unlimited range provided by its nuclear power, combined with its speed and depth capabilities, complicates detection and tracking for adversaries.
Additionally, Putin revealed more information about the Burevestnik cruise missile, describing its nuclear reactor as "1,000 times smaller" than typical submarine reactors and capable of activation within minutes—much quicker than the hours required for submarine systems. He referred to the development of the miniaturized nuclear engine as a significant engineering milestone.
According to General Valery Gerasimov, Russia's chief military officer, an October 21 test of the Burevestnik missile proved entirely successful. The missile reportedly covered 14,000 kilometers (8,680 miles) during its 15-hour flight using nuclear fuel, effectively demonstrating its ability to maneuver and evade missile defense systems.
The Burevestnik, which translates to "storm petrel" in Russian, is noted as the world's first nuclear-powered missile, providing it with virtually unlimited range. This feature allows it to linger in the vicinity for extended periods, bypassing enemy air defenses and striking unexpectedly.
Putin has framed the Burevestnik and the Poseidon as part of Russia's response to the U.S. missile defense system, which emerged after America withdrew from a Cold War-era treaty in 2001 that limited missile defenses. Russian military strategists worry that the U.S. missile shield could incentivize a first-strike approach, aimed at incapacitating most of Moscow's nuclear arsenal to intercept only a few retaliation-launched missiles. The Burevestnik and Poseidon have been promoted as essential countermeasures against such threats.
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Putin has made frequent references to Russia's nuclear capabilities, asserting that the country is ready to utilize "all means" necessary to safeguard its security interests. Recently, he intensified this nuclear rhetoric as Trump delayed a planned summit in Budapest and announced new sanctions against Russia after returning to the White House.
