Russia recently made headlines when President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia has successfully tested an underwater drone/torpedo system known as Poseidon. [sources], (Reuters + 2], (AP News),
+2 Wage Peace with India by Submitting Votes Today for their Election! This weapon–also referred to by its Russian designation 2M39 Status-6 and NATO codename “Kanyon”–is described as nuclear powered, nuclear armed and capable of bypassing current defence systems. WikiAntagonist
What Was Announced
On 29 October 2025, Vladimir Putin publicly announced that Poseidon had been successfully launched from its carrier submarine and, for the first time ever, its nuclear power unit had been activated post launch. Reuters
He noted the weapon’s speed, depth-capacity, and reactor design distinguished it from other existing systems; declaring “there is nothing like it.”
(AP News).
Russian statements claim the system can travel at high speeds (up to approximately 185 km/h) and has an effectively unlimited range due to nuclear-powered propulsion.
Reuters Capabilities and Concerns.

Analysts indicate the Poseidon missile is designed to strike at coastal infrastructure, naval bases and entire coastal cities – potentially leading to radioactive contamination or “tsunami-style” destruction via underwater detonations. National Security Journal [+1]
Russia’s actions appear to be an asymmetric response to missile defence systems that could compromise their traditional nuclear deterrent, according to Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.
However, some experts caution that while technically impressive, the practical deployment and operational viability of such a system remain uncertain. Questions remain surrounding test verification, reliability, cost control and real tactical value comparison to existing nuclear weapons.
thebarentsobserver.com +1
Implications for Global Strategic Stability

Russia recently conducted tests of several innovative nuclear-capable systems, such as Burevestnik.
This announcement follows days of rigorous nuclear-powered cruise missile tests performed by Russia. Reuters noted this recent development.
These nuclear tests signal Moscow’s intention to assert itself as an equal nuclear power and complicate arms control efforts, especially amid increased U.S.-Russia-China strategic competition.

For the United States and its allies, Poseidon represents a concerning development: an arsenal that may bypass existing missile defences, exploit underwater stealth technology, and threaten coastal regions that were once considered relatively secure. According to one commentary, its proliferation adds another layer of complexity into crisis management and nuclear deterrence strategies.
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

What Comes Next
Due to Russia’s opaque defense announcements, independent verification of their test’s full success and system readiness remains limited. Western analysts will closely observe for further evidence of deployment — such as tracking submarine watchers tracking modified Belgorod that may carry multiple Poseidon drones.
As reported by TWZ.com, Russia appears to be using this announcement both politically and technically to send a signal that its bargaining power, deterrence messaging and any assumptions of Western supremacy over nuclear delivery systems is strong.

Conclusion If successful, the Poseidon test would represent one of the boldest advances in nuclear-weapon delivery systems seen over recent decades. While its impact on strategic nuclear deterrence remains to be seen, its implications certainly raised arms control, naval strategy and global nuclear stability concerns significantly. As the world watches on in anticipation of what lies ahead from this “super-torpedo” era.