Overview
- The Chabarovsk was launched at the Sevmash yard on November 3, and Defense Minister Andrei Beloussow called the event significant as he confirmed sea trials are required before commissioning.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry says the submarine is built to carry robotic weapon systems including the nuclear-powered Poseidon, described as a long-range undersea weapon for striking coastal targets.
- A ZDF report says a recent trial allegedly switched on Poseidon’s nuclear propulsion for the first time, yet the weapon has not been demonstrated as operational.
- Program details reported by The Barents Observer indicate each boat could carry up to six Poseidon systems and that a second hull, Ulyanovsk, has been under construction since 2017.
- Analysts note sustained information campaigns to magnify the program’s deterrent value, while safety, control and escalation risks remain unresolved.