Russia has launched its new nuclear-powered submarine, the «Khabarovsk», for the first time; it is currently undergoing sea trials in the White Sea. The vessel was designed as a specialised carrier for the «Poseidon» multi-purpose system, which Moscow describes as a super-powerful nuclear weapon, according to the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.
Briefly about the main points
- «The »Khabarovsk’ set sail for the first time for sea trials.
- The submarine was designed as a specialised carrier for the «Poseidon» system.
- Under the contract, the vessel was due to be handed over to the Russian Navy back in 2020.
- Open data allows for the installation of six launchers.
- Following the tests, the submarine is due to be based in Kamchatka.
The purpose of the boat and the next stage of the programme
«The »Khabarovsk« is set to become a specialised platform for the »Poseidon’ system. In publicly available Western assessments, it is described as a long-range, unmanned nuclear-powered submersible, potentially capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
Sea trials are designed to test the delivery system itself and do not imply that the system has been adopted for service. According to an assessment by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published in May 2026, «Poseidon» was not yet considered to be an operationally deployed system.
The construction work has been delayed by several years
The submarine was laid down in July 2014. The contract stipulated that it would be handed over to the Russian Navy in 2020, but the vessel did not commence sea trials until several years after that deadline.
According to some reports, the *Khabarovsk* may be fitted with six launchers. Once trials have been completed, the submarine is due to be handed over to the Pacific Fleet and stationed in Krasheninnikov Bay in Kamchatka, probably in 2027.
