Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that a test of the autonomous underwater vehicle "Poseidon", equipped with a nuclear power plant (nuclear engine), had been conducted. This statement came just a few days after he revealed a test launch of the "Burevestnik" cruise missile, also with a nuclear engine. Thus, Moscow once again put two of the most mysterious and discussed weapons in its arsenal in the spotlight.
Putin specified that during the tests of "Poseidon", the nuclear engine was successfully started, thanks to which the device "worked for some time". However, the Russian leader did not provide any evidence to confirm the claimed characteristics of the weapon, nor did he reveal where and under what conditions the test was conducted.
Neither the location, nor the route, nor the duration of the test were disclosed. And independent observers have not yet published their comments.
From the idea to the legend of the Russian "miracle weapon"
The idea of "Poseidon" is not new. Along with other strategic systems, the project was first presented in 2018 in Putin's address to the Federal Assembly. Then he listed five types of "miracle weapons" that, in his opinion, were supposed to place Russia among the unrivaled military powers of the world - the hypersonic glider "Avangard", the intercontinental missile "Sarmat", the aero-ballistic "Kinzhal", the winged "Burevestnik" and the submarine "Poseidon".
Over time, these projects became a central element of Russian propaganda, a symbol of the revival of the military-industrial complex and proof of the technological power of the state. In reality, however, only the "Kinzhal", which is already being used in the war in Ukraine, has reached serial production.
The remaining systems are either in the development stage or - as in the case of "Sarmat" - are facing technical difficulties. In September 2024, a supposed test launch of this heavy intercontinental missile ended in an incident that called into question its readiness for real operation.
"Burevestnik" and the new wave of demonstrations
On October 26 of this year, the Kremlin announced a test of the "Burevestnik" cruise missile, claiming that it had traveled 14,000 kilometers in 15 hours. Video footage of Putin and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov was distributed by state media.
Norway confirmed that a missile launch had indeed taken place at the Novaya Zemlya test site, but refused to specify whether it was a Burevestnik flight.
Shortly afterwards, Putin also announced the Poseidon test, with the two statements appearing coordinated - and probably aimed not only at the Russian public, but also at the international audience.
From "Status-6" to "Poseidon" - how the project was born
The roots of the project can be traced back to 2015, when reports on the Russian television channels "First Channel" and NTV "accidentally" documents with the schedule of the oceanic multi-purpose system "Status-6" appear.
Later it became clear that it was the predecessor of the "Poseidon" - probably the same device, but under a new name.
Today's "Poseidon" is carried by the nuclear submarine "Belgorod", built under project 09852. It was originally intended to use anti-ship missiles, but was later re-equipped for special operations and adapted as a platform for the new type of unmanned aerial vehicles.
In January 2023, the TASS agency reported that the first set of "Poseidon" torpedoes has already been produced, but it remains unclear how many the submarine can carry - some experts suggest only one.
The power of the nuclear warhead is also unknown, although Putin claims that the "Poseidon" surpasses the "Sarmat" in destructive power.
What is "Poseidon"
"Poseidon" is an unmanned nuclear-powered submarine capable of traveling vast distances underwater, with virtually no range limit.
Theoretically, its warhead could destroy a coastal city, a large port, or a naval base.
In the past, Soviet scientists have discussed similar ideas - using underwater nuclear devices to create an artificial tsunami that would cause mass destruction. Such projects have never been implemented, and the effectiveness of such a weapon remains controversial.
Yet, "Poseidon" and "Burevestnik" have one thing in common - both are different from the classic ballistic missiles that traditionally form the nuclear forces of Russia and the United States.
If used simultaneously with intercontinental missiles, they can complicate the enemy's defense, forcing it to respond to different types of threats simultaneously.
The political motives behind the statements
The question of why Putin made these announcements now remains open.
According to analysts, the goal is not only to demonstrate military progress, but also to send a political signal to Washington.
One version is that Putin is reacting to words by US President Donald Trump, who recently hinted that the US could supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles. Although such a step has not yet been taken, in Moscow it is perceived as a possible escalation.
Another interpretation is that the Kremlin is trying to push the US into a new round of negotiations on strategic offensive arms (START-3).
The treaty expires in February, and Putin has already offered to voluntarily extend it for another year. Russia officially suspended its participation in the treaty in 2023, but has not completely withdrawn from it.
Experts from the British RUSI institute suggest that Moscow is having difficulties modernizing its nuclear arsenal and is therefore looking for ways to limit the arms race.
Message to the US and Europe
The new Russian weapons systems, including the medium-range missile "Oreshnik", can also be perceived as a warning to the US not to deploy new weapons in Europe.
In other words, Moscow is using the topic of "Poseidon" and "Burevestnik" not only as a show of force, but also as a tool for pressure and negotiation.
Even without concrete evidence of successful tests, the very fact that Putin announced them publicly has a strong strategic effect.
This is a way for Russia to remind itself that it remains a nuclear superpower capable of developing new-generation weapons, and to force the West to keep it in the security equation.
"Poseidon" may not be fully combat-ready, but as a symbol of the Kremlin's ambitions and claims - it is already fulfilling its mission.