According to reports on the American television channel CNN, the Russian navy is preparing to launch the "doomsday torpedo" Poseidon, as the Pentagon calls the Russian nuclear torpedo.
At the beginning of November, US sources identified the departure of the carrier submarine "Belgorod" and its subsequent return to its home base. As no test attempts are said to have been recognisable, the sources assume that technical difficulties occurred. Such tests have been observed since the beginning of October (MFonline reported).
Poseidon - Russian nuclear torpedo? Graphic: Ministry of Defence Moscow
Underwater weapon systems
A direct connection between the tests and the apocalyptic threats of the Russian president, as repeatedly expressed during the "special operation" in Ukraine, is not absolutely necessary at present. The "Belgorod" was only handed over to the navy in July 2022, so "normal" takeover tests and weapons trials could be on the current agenda. Underwater weapon systems in particular are subject to increased technical complexity. Their testing is not only about the function of the weapon, but above all about the data transmission paths, the control of the platform and the emergency procedures. Any problems that arise - especially with newly introduced weapon systems - can be of a completely 'normal' nature. However, it can be assumed that the sea trials are under the direct observation of Moscow, and that any connections with Western sanctions against high-tech components will hit them on the stomach. Time is of the essence, because winter ice is beginning to form in the Arctic and will set limits to the possibilities for movement. Not so much the underwater activities themselves as the observation and support vehicles. However, it can be assumed that Russian testing activities will continue.
Carrier submarine "Belgorod"
The "Belgorod" is not only a huge nuclear-powered submarine, it is also the carrier for the super torpedo announced by President Vladimir Putin in his State of the Union address on 1 March 2018 Poseidon. With its "intercontinental" range of almost 10,000 km at a maximum speed of around 100 km/h (54 knots), the nuclear-powered torpedo is said to be capable of delivering its weapons load to the target over very long distances. Based on previously published technical drawings and the evaluation of some test images published by the Russian Ministry of Defence, Poseidon measures around 24 m in length and 1.6 m in diameter, including a warhead of around 4 m in length. The explosive power figures range from 2 to 100 megatonnes. The "Belgorod" should be able to carry six such Poseidons on board.
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