Russia Launches Nuclear Submarine 'Khabarovsk' Capable of Carrying Poseidon Drones

Russia Unveils New Strategic Submarine

Russia officially launched the nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk (Project 09851) on November 1, 2025, at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. The ceremony, which saw the participation of Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Navy Commander Admiral Aleksandr Moiseev, marks a significant development in Russia's naval capabilities. The submarine is designed to serve as a carrier for the advanced Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drones, a weapon system described by some as a 'doomsday missile'.

Defence Minister Belousov emphasized that the vessel, equipped with 'underwater and robotic weapons systems', will 'strengthen the protection of Russia's maritime borders and defend its interests in various oceanic regions'. Following its launch, the Khabarovsk will undergo a series of harbor and sea trials before its official commissioning into the Russian Navy.

The 'Khabarovsk': A Dedicated Drone Carrier

The Khabarovsk is a specialized submarine, distinct from traditional ballistic missile submarines, optimized for deploying unmanned underwater vehicles. Open-source defense data suggests the submarine has a submerged displacement of approximately 10,000 tons, a length of about 113-120 meters, and a beam of nearly 10 meters. It is powered by a nuclear reactor, enabling an unlimited range and speeds of up to 30-32 knots underwater, with an operational depth of up to 500 meters.

The submarine is expected to carry up to six Poseidon drones, though some Russian media reports have claimed it could carry as many as 12. Its design allows for extended missions, with a reported endurance of 90-120 days for its crew of around 100 seamen.

Poseidon Drones: A New Class of Strategic Weaponry

The primary armament of the Khabarovsk, the Poseidon (also known by its Russian codename Status-6 or NATO reporting name Kanyon), is an autonomous, nuclear-powered, and nuclear-armed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). These drones are designed to deliver multi-megaton thermonuclear warheads to coastal targets, with Russian state media claiming they could generate 'radioactive tsunamis' capable of devastating coastal areas.

Key characteristics of the Poseidon include:

• Propulsion: A small nuclear reactor providing virtually unlimited range.
• Size: Estimated to be over 20 meters long and 2 meters in diameter.
• Speed & Depth: Reported speeds up to 100 knots (185 km/h) and operational depths up to 1,000 meters, making them difficult to detect and intercept.
• Stealth Capabilities: Designed for deep-sea stealth and autonomous navigation to bypass traditional missile defense systems.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced successful tests of the Poseidon system in late October 2025, including the activation of its onboard nuclear reactor.

Geopolitical Context and Location

The launch took place at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, a port city in Russia's Arctic North. Multiple reports describe this location as being 'near the Finnish border'. This event occurs amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and reports of Russia expanding its military infrastructure and troop presence in areas closer to its land border with Finland, following Finland's accession to NATO.

The introduction of the Khabarovsk and its Poseidon drones represents a new dimension in Russia's strategic undersea posture, potentially complicating anti-submarine warfare efforts for NATO navies and adding a new vector to Russia's deterrent capabilities.