Russia Launches Khabarovsk Nuclear Submarine — First Poseidon Torpedo Carrier

Russia has launched the Project 09851 Khabarovsk, a special-purpose nuclear submarine expected to become the first carrier of the nuclear-powered Poseidon torpedo.

The launch took place at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, according to the company’s press service.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov supervised the ceremony..

“Today is a significant event for us — the large nuclear missile submarine Khabarovsk is being launched from the slipway of the famous Sevmash,” Belousov said. He added that the submarine will help secure Russia’s maritime borders and defend the country’s “national interests” in the global ocean.

The contract to build the Khabarovsk was signed in 2012. The submarine was laid down on July 27, 2014, in Sevmash’s shop No. 50.

Initial plans called for a 2018 launch, but the timeline was repeatedly pushed back.

The plan also envisioned laying down three Project 09853 submarines by 2025. Project 09851 was intended to be the lead boat, and the 09853 submarines were expected to be serial carriers of the Poseidon system, forming a group between 2028 and 2035. There is currently no information on the progress of these plans.

After rollout, Khabarovsk will undergo outfitting and sea trials, which are expected to take several more years.

Exact specifications have not been disclosed. According to unconfirmed Russian sources:

• Length: approx. 113 m
• Diameter: more than 10 m
• Displacement: around 10,000 tons
• Maximum submerged speed: 30–32 knots
• Range: unlimited, with 90–120 days of autonomy
• Likely armament: six Poseidon launchers; submarine may also have torpedo tubes for self-defense

In late October, Russia announced tests of the Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle, which is equipped with a nuclear reactor.

According to the Russian President Vladimir Putin, tests were conducted on October 28. After launch from a submarine, the prototype reportedly used its onboard nuclear power unit for underwater propulsion along a preset route.

The vehicle can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads, and the onboard reactor provides what Russia claims is an unlimited range.