Overview
- The Khabarovsk was launched at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk and is described by officials as a heavy nuclear-powered cruiser designed to deploy Poseidon underwater vehicles.
- Defense Ministry imagery showed only the stern and pump-jet, leaving key design details undisclosed, and the submarine is set to undergo sea trials before commissioning.
- President Vladimir Putin said Poseidon’s nuclear propulsion was activated during an October 28 test, but outlets report no independent verification, with only noted ship activity near Novaya Zemlya.
- Open-source assessments indicate Russia aims to field multiple Poseidon carriers—Belgorod already delivered, Khabarovsk launched, Ulyanovsk under construction—with each reportedly able to carry up to six weapons.
- Analysts highlight significant safety, environmental and strategic concerns around such nuclear-powered systems, and dramatic claims like a radioactive tsunami are disputed.