Open menu Search

Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress

5th November 2025 - 12:20 GMT | by Eleanor Harvey in Manchester, UK

RSS

Khabarovsk’s primary armament will be Poseidon torpedoes. (Photo: Russian Ministry of Defence)

The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced the launch of its Khabarovsk special-purpose nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed submarine at its Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. The vessel belongs to a class of submarines designed to deploy the Poseidon, an uncrewed, underwater system developed in Russia.

As the relationship between the US and Russia remains strained, with both countries investing heavily in the development of modernised platforms and advanced technology in the undersea defence sector, the Khabarovsk launch reflects an important advancement for Russian capabilities.

The country has been characteristically secretive on both its Khabarovsk submarine development, which has faced significant delays, and

Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®

A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.

LEARN MORE
Eleanor Harvey

Author

Eleanor Harvey


Eleanor Harvey is content editor at Shephard Group, responsible for overseeing the quality and scope …

Read full bio

Share to

Linkedin