The Khabarovsk nuclear submarine, which has gone to sea for the first time since construction began, was designed as a carrier for Poseidon nuclear torpedoes. Military expert Alexey Leonkov noted that the system is often described abroad as a «doomsday weapon», while in Russia it is referred to as a weapon of retaliation.

The Khabarovsk was launched on August 17. Its first voyage came years after construction of the submarine began in 2014.

According to Leonkov, the vessel can carry up to six Poseidons. He said their warheads are in the megaton class, meaning their use could produce an extremely powerful effect.

The expert said Poseidons are intended to be used after strategic nuclear weapons have already been deployed. He linked this sequence to the torpedoes’ range, noting that covering roughly 10,000 kilometers takes time even if they are launched at the same moment as ballistic missiles.

Leonkov said the Poseidon can travel underwater at around 200 kilometers per hour at a depth of about one kilometer. As a result, he argued, it would reach its target only after an exchange of nuclear strikes had already taken place.

The main targets for such systems, according to the expert, are coastal facilities, including naval bases, major ports and large naval strike groups. A separate target can be assigned to each Poseidon in advance.

Leonkov also argued that existing anti-torpedo systems are unable to match the Poseidon’s speed and operating depth. He cited a torpedo developed in Germany that could reach about 90 kilometers per hour but was limited to depths of up to 400 meters, while the Poseidon operates at around one kilometer below the surface.

He added that the Russian torpedo can follow a complex route, making it more difficult to detect and intercept in time.