Russia launched a new Belgorod submarine designed to carry nuclear drones capable of creating devastating tidal waves.
The submarine, known as Special Project 09852, is a nuclear-powered special purpose and research submarine, Russian News Agency TASS reported Tuesday. The Russian Navy said the submarine is designed to carry “Poisedon” drones and will be used starting in 2020 according to TASS.
“The main feature photographed which raises questions is a bulge on the lower hull,” defense analyst H.I. Sutton wrote in a blog post. “This may relate to retractable steerable thrusters for precise position holding.”View image on Twitter
Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) and the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk originally said the Belgorod was intended for research in ocean explorations, search and rescue operations, underwater installations, and monitoring of underwater routes. However, a Russian news outlet reported in 2017 that the Belgorod had new lengthened chambers designed to hold the Poisedon drones, making it the largest submarine in the Russian Navy according to TASS.
“Russia launches its special purpose deep diving and second nuclear strike submarine at the Severodvinsk shipyards today,” European Council on Foreign Relations Co-Chair Carl Bildt tweeted. “A very special ship.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed the Poisedon drones in a state of the nation address in March 2018, according to Business Insider. The drones are nuclear torpedoes with ranges up to 100 megatons and speeds of 125 mph, which could send catastrophic waves of radiation throughout the ocean and onto continents for decades, according to Business Insider.
Putin reportedly said in statements in 2018 that the drones would render U.S. defense systems useless, according to Fox News.
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