Vladimir Putin has introduced a formidable addition to Russia’s military arsenal: a new nuclear submarine designed to carry a devastating doomsday weapon. This submarine has the capability to unleash a radioactive tidal wave, amplifying the already heightened tensions surrounding the prospect of World War Three.

The formidable vessel, named Khabarovsk, is specifically equipped to launch Russia’s infamous Poseidon nuclear drone towards Western coastlines. This development signifies a significant escalation in Russia’s strategic posturing.

The launch ceremony, held in Severodvinsk in the far north of Russia, marked the submarine’s debut. Despite being five years behind schedule due to various unexplained delays, the event drew the attention of high-ranking officials, including Russia’s defense minister Andrei Belousov.

Belousov remarked on the occasion, stating, “The heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Khabarovsk is being launched from the renowned Sevmash shipyard.” He emphasized the strategic importance of the submarine, noting that “Carrying underwater weapons and robotic systems, it will enable us to successfully secure Russia’s maritime borders and protect its national interests in various parts of the world’s oceans.”

‘Carrying underwater weapons and robotic systems, it will enable us to successfully secure Russia’s maritime borders and protect its national interests in various parts of the world’s oceans,’ he said.

The Khabarovsk is now being sent for sea trials. The submarine’s nuclear reactor and other technical specifications remain opaque and are classified as top secret.

Putin last week said that the Poseidon nuclear-powered drone – capable of carrying an atomic warhead – had been successfully tested.

The Khabarovsk ‘special-purpose’ submarine is designed to carry a dozen of the deadly new-style torpedoes powered by their own nuclear reactors.

‘The power of the Poseidon far exceeds that of our most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat [aka Satan-2],’ said Putin.

‘There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world.’ He threatened: ‘There are no means of intercepting it.’

The Khabarovsk nuclear submarine is seen during its launch at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvindk. It was originally meant to be unveiled in 2020, but suffered delays 

Putin has bragged that ‘there is nothing like’ the submarine in the world, and also insisted that it cannot be intercepted 

Russia’s Poseidon nuclear-capable system is capable of devastating coastal regions by triggering vast radioactive ocean swells 

Putin’s propaganda machine has repeatedly claimed that the Poseidon – launched by the Khabarovsk submarine – could ‘sink’ Britain under ‘radioactive tidal waves’.

No figure has been given for the cost of the submarine, which has a 10,000-ton displacement, but it will be in excess of £1billion.

The keel was laid down in 2014, long before Putin officially announced it in 2018. 

The Khabarovsk, launched on Saturday, was originally due for launch in June 2020. It has been reported that the pandemic, technical difficulties, and resources being moved around to the war in Ukraine contributed to its delays. 

Photos released from the unveiling ceremony have given a glimpse of the rear part of the submarine. 

Belousov said the missile cruiser will boost Russia’s maritime security and protect its worldwide interests. He also said it was a significant moment in Russia’s navy. 

The Poseidon, meanwhile, which will be carried by the Khabarovsk, is said to be 20 metres long and nearly two metres wide. Reports indicate that it weighs 100 tons. 

It is capable of travelling up to 6,200 miles with a speed of 115miles per hour deep underwater.  

While speaking at a hospital to soldiers who had been wounded in Ukraine, Putin bragged that he had successfully tested the weapon. 

The hulking Khabarovsk, which ramps up the tyrant’s threats of World War Three, is equipped to fire Vladimir Putin’s notorious Poseidon nuclear drone at Western coastlines

He said: ‘For the first time, we managed not only to launch it from a carrier submarine.’ 

Jeffrey Lewis, a scholar at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, wrote in Foreign Policy: ‘It’s downright terrifying. We’re talking about a massive, megaton-sized thermonuclear weapon designed to produce significant, long-lasting radiation effects.’

Other officials have also warned that the weapon could be fired from unexpected directions.  

It was reported that this prompted US president Donald Trump to order his country’s military to restart nuclear tests for the first time in 33 years. 

He wrote: ‘Because of other countries’ testing programs. I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.’ 

Despite Putin’s latest acquisition, he added: ‘Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years.