On a recent Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin announced the testing of a new weapon, the Poseidon, during a meeting with veterans of the Ukraine war. Described as a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable underwater drone, the Poseidon can be launched like a torpedo. A senior Russian lawmaker claimed it has the potential to “put entire states out of operation.” When first introduced in 2018, it was reported that the Poseidon could reach speeds of 200 km/h (about 120 mph) and navigate erratically to evade interception.
Putin’s announcement follows another declaration regarding the successful test of Russia’s Burevestnik, another weapon touted as “unique” and “unmatched in the world.” The specifics about what class of weapon the Burevestnik falls into remain unclear.
Russia’s history of showcasing new weapons is notable but raises questions about their actual military value. Some experts suggest these weapons, including the Poseidon and Burevestnik, may serve as second-strike capabilities rather than offensive tools. Previous incidents, including a rocket engine explosion in 2019 that reportedly involved the Burevestnik, highlight potential technical challenges.
The announcements come amidst a backdrop of diplomatic uncertainty between the United States and Russia, particularly following the cancellation of a summit between President Donald Trump and Putin. This has led to concerns that both nations may be reassessing their military strategies. Furthermore, Putin’s declarations may be viewed as an attempt to capture Trump’s attention, particularly as military effectiveness in Ukraine remains a contentious issue.
The U.S. response included Trump indicating the resumption of nuclear weapons testing, which has not occurred for 33 years, likely as a strategic counter to Russian developments. Russian officials responded by downplaying the significance of these tests, stating they should not be interpreted as nuclear weapon developments. The dialogue continues to emphasize the geopolitical tensions surrounding advancements in military technology.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn40w7g2d2zo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss