The video depicts the moment the mega-torpedo bursts forth from its container underwater and erupts through the water. The Poseidon, previously known by its code name Status-6, is part of Russia’s future nuclear deterrent fleet. The drone is meant to be carried by a regular manned submarine and deployed when necessary.
The weapon uses its nuclear reactor to stealthily glide towards a target before bursting into a chase if it is detected.
Once at its target, it can detonate a nuclear payload which would bring about untold destruction on an enemy base or fleet.
The footage, which was released today, shows the system operating underwater for the first time in a successful field test.
It will be carried on submarines that will be ready for service this year, according to President Putin.
Meanwhile, Moscow has said it will match any US move to deploy new nuclear missiles closer to Russia by stationing its own missiles closer to America or by deploying faster missiles or both, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
Putin said Russia was not seeking confrontation and would not take the first step to deploy missiles in response to Washington’s decision this month to quit a landmark Cold War-era arms control treaty.
But in his toughest remarks yet on a potential new arms race, he said Russia’s reaction to any deployment would be resolute and that U.S. policymakers, some of whom he accused of being obsessed with U.S. exceptionalism, should calculate the risks before taking any steps.
“It’s their right to think how they want. But can they count? I’m sure they can. Let them count the speed and the range of the weapons systems we are developing,” Putin told Russia’s political elite to strong applause.
He said: “Russia will be forced to create and deploy types of weapons which can be used not only in respect of those territories from which the direct threat to us originates but also in respect of those territories where the centres of decision-making are located.”