According to information published by Tass on April 3, 2023, a division of special-purpose submarines armed with Poseidon nuclear-capable UUVs is due to come into operation in the Russian Pacific Fleet by early 2025.
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Artist rendering of the Poseidon UUV. (Picture source: Tass)
The new division that the Russian Pacific Fleet is setting up within its submarine forces will also comprise other submarines in addition to the Belgorod and Khabarovsk subs. The new special-purpose submarines will deal with strategic deterrence, a source close to Russia’s Defense Ministry earlier told TASS.
The nuclear-powered submarine Belgorod will continue its service within the Russian Pacific Fleet. The sub will receive the first ammunition load consisting of Poseidon nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable super-torpedoes.
The ceremony of delivering the Project 09852 submarine to the Fleet without its basic armament took place on July 8, 2022. Currently, the Belgorod is undergoing its operational evaluation in the Russian Northern Fleet.
The Project 09851 nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk is at the final stage of its construction at the Sevmash Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation).
Poseidon
The Status-6 Oceanic Multipurpose System, also known as Poseidon, is an autonomous, nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) developed by Rubin Design Bureau for the Russian Navy. It is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear warheads.
Its torpedo-shaped design allows it to travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h (54 kn) with a range of 10,000 km (5,400 nmi; 6,200 mi) and a maximum depth of 1,000 m (3,300 ft). The drone is designed to operate at a typical depth of 50-100 meters in low-speed stealth mode for increased stealth capabilities.
The Poseidon is 1.6-2 meters in diameter and 24 meters long, with a warhead measuring 1.5 meters in diameter by 4 meters in length.
