Russia Tests Poseidon Nuclear-Capable Super Torpedo

Russia’s successful test of the Poseidon nuclear-capable super torpedo in October 2025 marks a major escalation in underwater strategic weapons. The test involved the launch of Poseidon from a dedicated submarine and activation of its miniaturised nuclear propulsion unit, completing the full operational cycle—launch, reactor start-up, and underwater cruising. Poseidon is an unmanned, nuclear-powered underwater drone, originally conceptualised as “Status-6” and officially named “Poseidon” in 2018. It is designed to provide Russia with a second-strike capability, ensuring retaliatory nuclear power even if its land-based systems are neutralised.

Poseidon reportedly carries a nuclear warhead of extremely high yield and can operate at 1,000 metres depth, making it difficult to detect or intercept. With an estimated length of 20 metres and weight of 100 tons, it travels at nearly 200 km/hr—faster than any existing torpedo. Its nuclear propulsion gives it unlimited range, allowing prolonged underwater stealth patrols. The platform is meant to bypass aerial missile defences by using the deep sea as its medium. According to various assessments, Russia may deploy Poseidon aboard submarines like Belgorod and Khabarovsk, enabling covert patrol across oceans.