(MENAFN) Russia has officially launched its latest nuclear submarine, the Khabarovsk, in a ceremony held on Saturday, according to reports. The vessel is built to deploy the massive torpedo-shaped, nuclear-powered Poseidon drone.

The event took place in Severodvinsk and was attended by Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and senior military officials.

“Today is a significant event for us: the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Khabarovsk is being launched from the slipway of the renowned Sevmash shipyard,” Belousov said.

“Carrying underwater weapons and robotic systems, it will enable us to successfully accomplish missions related to ensuring the security of Russia’s maritime borders and protecting its national interests in various parts of the world’s oceans,” he added. The minister noted that the submarine must still complete a series of sea trials and extended his best wishes to both the crew and the shipbuilders.

The Khabarovsk was “specifically designed and built for the Poseidon,” former Chief of the Russian Navy’s General Staff, Admiral Viktor Kravchenko, told reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the Poseidon cannot currently be intercepted by any defense system.

Earlier this week, Russia announced successful tests of the Poseidon drone alongside the unlimited-range Burevestnik cruise missile, highlighting advancements in its strategic arsenal.

These developments come amid stalled peace talks over Ukraine and reports of potential US plans to supply Tomahawk missiles to Kiev. In a related move, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had directed the Department of War to begin testing nuclear weapons, citing strategic competition with Russia and China.

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