Launched from a submarine, Poseidon is an autonomous, nuclear-powered torpedo designed to carry nuclear warheads. Putin claimed that the weapon’s destructive capability surpasses even Russia’s most powerful Sarmat intercontinental missile.
Speaking at a meeting with soldiers wounded in the Ukraine war on Tuesday, Putin said, “There is no other weapon like it in the world.”
Unlimited range and self-powering system
One of Poseidon’s most distinctive features is its nuclear propulsion unit, allowing it to travel virtually unlimited distances without refueling. The torpedo was first revealed in 2018, though reports of its development date back to 2016.
Built in response to the US and NATO
Putin stated that the Poseidon project was developed in response to U.S. and NATO actions, accusing the West of breaking old security agreements and expanding NATO into Eastern Europe.
The torpedo, often described as a “post-apocalyptic” weapon, is named after Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and storms — symbolizing its immense destructive potential.
Russia’s second major weapons success in a week
This test marks Russia’s second major military advancement within a week. On October 21, Moscow had announced the successful test of the Burevestnik-9M730, the world’s first nuclear-powered cruise missile with an unlimited range. Powered by a nuclear reactor instead of a traditional engine, the Burevestnik can fly vast distances while evading missile defense systems.
What is a torpedo?
A torpedo is an underwater weapon designed to target and destroy ships or submarines. Guided by navigation and homing systems that detect targets through sound, radar, or sonar, torpedoes can strike with precision.
The Poseidon, however, takes this concept further — combining nuclear propulsion and nuclear payloads, making it one of the most powerful and feared underwater weapons ever built.
