Putin Claims Success in Testing Nuclear-Powered Underwater Drone Poseidon

MOSCOW, Russia — President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia successfully tested a new nuclear-powered underwater drone called Poseidon. Putin described the drone as a weapon that “cannot be intercepted” and claimed it has been dubbed a “doomsday machine.” This milestone was declared during his visit to a hospital where he met wounded soldiers from the war in Ukraine.

The test occurred on Tuesday, marking the first time the drone operated on nuclear power. Putin touted the drone’s unmatched speed and depth capabilities, stating that its nuclear reactor was ‘100 times smaller’ than those on traditional submarines. He further claimed that the Poseidon’s nuclear warhead is significantly more powerful than Russia’s advanced Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.

“For the first time, we managed not only to launch it from a carrier submarine but also to activate its nuclear power unit during the test,” Putin said. However, there has been no independent verification of this test.

According to Kremlin-affiliated media, the Poseidon can reach speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. Known as “Kanyon” to NATO, the drone is 20 meters long and weighs 100 tonnes. Russian sources allege that its nuclear power allows for unlimited range, making it difficult to detect.

Putin asserted that the Poseidon surpasses even the most advanced Sarmat intercontinental-range missile, often referred to as Satan II. This underwater drone is among several new ‘super weapons’ he highlighted in 2018, designed as a countermeasure to the U.S. missile defense strategies.

Reports suggest that the Poseidon could be engineered to explode near coastlines, creating a catastrophic radioactive tsunami. This test follows recent drills and successful testing of the Burevestnik cruise missile, which the Kremlin described as part of national security measures amidst tensions with the U.S.

Putin’s announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the testing of Russia’s military capabilities, arguing that Putin should focus on ending the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Trump remarked that the war should have concluded long ago.