Russia Launches Delayed Khabarovsk Submarine

On Nov. 2 Russia launched the nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk from the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk in a ceremony led by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and attended by Naval Commander Admiral Alexander Moiseyev. The Rubin-designed vessel, completed five years behind schedule, is described by the Defence Ministry as a carrier for underwater weapons and robotic systems and is now being sent for sea trials ahead of commissioning. Russian officials say Khabarovsk-class boats are intended to carry the nuclear-powered Poseidon autonomous underwater drone and have claimed the class can carry up to 12 such drones. Moscow, including President Vladimir Putin, has touted Poseidon’s nuclear propulsion, deep-diving and long-range capabilities and has claimed it could trigger “radioactive tidal waves,” while state media highlight recent tests. Western outlets, analysts and some critics have called the platform a “doomsday” weapon, questioned Moscow’s claims and disputed the success and effectiveness of these programs.