Russia has launched its latest nuclear-powered submarine, ‘Khabarovsk’, designed to carry the modern ‘Poseidon’ nuclear drone, a weapon often referred to as a “doomsday missile” for its claimed ability to “wipe out” entire coastal nations, according to media reports.

The submarine was launched at the Sevmash shipyards in Severodvinsk during a ceremony attended by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Russian Naval Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, and top shipbuilding officials.

Also Read: What is Poseidon? Russia’s futuristic nuclear-capable underwater drone

“Today marks a significant event for us – the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Khabarovsk is being launched from the stern of the renowned Sevmash,” Belousov said in his televised remarks late on Saturday.

Sevmash shipyards had earlier retrofitted India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

What makes Khabarovsk different?

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the submarine has been designed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering. It is intended for Navy missions using modern underwater weapons, including robotic systems.

The ministry said the submarine will serve as a carrier of underwater weapons and robotic systems “to successfully ensure the security of Russia's maritime borders and protect its national interests in various parts of the world's oceans.”

The Poseidon factor

Russian business daily Kommersant, commenting on the launch, noted that last week Russia tested the Poseidon underwater drone, which is equipped with a nuclear propulsion system.

It reported, “The Poseidon is capable of exceeding the speed of submarines and modern torpedoes, travelling at great depths and over intercontinental distances. The Khabarovsk-class submarines are expected to be the primary carriers of this weapon.”

On Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test of the nuclear-powered Poseidon, saying it was launched from a mother-submarine and uses a nuclear power plant 100 times smaller than the reactor of a strategic submarine.

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev described Poseidon as the “Doomsday missile.”

Chair of the Duma Defence Committee Andrei Kartapolov said in a media interview that it was “capable of wiping out whole coastal nations.”

Why this is a strategic headache for the US

The United States and NATO have reportedly not acknowledged having any system capable of intercepting a deep-sea nuclear drone like Poseidon. Unlike traditional nuclear missiles, it cannot be stopped by missile shields, satellites, or anti-ballistic defence systems.