MWM: Russia launches secretive Nuclear powered ‘Mothership’ for its Poseidon underwater attack drones

Photo: MWM

The Russian Severodvinsk Shipyard has launched the first Khabarovsk class 10,000 ton nuclear powered submarine, which represents an entirely new type of strategic warship designed specifically to deploy 2M39 Poseidon nuclear-armed underwater drones, ‘The Military Watch Magazine’ writes.

The procurement of Khabarovsk class is expected to complement investments in expanding the fleet of Borei II class ballistic missile submarines, pioneering a second means of delivering mass strategic nuclear attacks by sea.

Attending the ship’s launch ceremony, Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov observed:“Today is a significant event for us: the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Khabarovsk is being launched from the slipway of the renowned Sevmash shipyard.” “Carrying underwater weapons and robotic systems, it will enable us to successfully accomplish missions related to ensuring the security of Russia’s maritime borders and protecting its national interests in various parts of the world’s oceans,” he added.

In late October Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the development of the Poseidon, noting that it uses a miniaturised version of a submarine nuclear reactor approximately one percent the size. The drones are single use weapons, and are designed to detonate their warheads deep under water to trigger radioactive tsunamis, which can inflict mass destruction on enemy coasts. Unlike missiles which are launched by the submarines into the air, attacks that rely on detonating warheads under the ocean’s surface are considered effectively impossible to intercept.

Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia has particularly prioritised investments in its strategic nuclear forces, ensuring that they still lead the world in performance in many respects in their capabilities.

Strategic forces have pioneered a range of new capabilities, of which the 2M39 Poseidon and the Khabarovsk class submarines that deploy them are but one example.

Russia was the first to introduce hypersonic glide vehicles into service with the operationalisation of the Avangard intercontinental range system, with a shorter ranged derivative of the design reported to have also been developed for the new Oreshnik intermediate range ballistic missile.

The 9M730 Burevestnik cruise missile which was flight tested in late October is the only nuclear-powered missile type in the world, providing an effectively unlimited range, which further seriously complicates possible missile defence efforts.

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