Russia tests engine of nuclear torpedo 'Sea God'

"In the sea area protected from enemy reconnaissance measures, underwater tests of the nuclear-powered propulsion system of the Poseidon (Sea God) torpedo are underway," TASS quoted a defense source as saying on December 25.

In the video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Poseidon torpedo operates its tail fins to change direction while mounted on a support, with the propulsion engine behind the torpedo obscured for secrecy. This is followed by graphic images showing the Poseidon's underwater maneuverability.

The source said that the testing of the Poseidon torpedo is at the design verification stage, and the torpedo has not yet been fully operational. The Russian Navy has deployed a nuclear submarine to support the testing of the Poseidon torpedo. The Poseidon torpedo project is part of Russia's armament program for 2018-2027 and is expected to be completed before the end of the program.

The Poseidon torpedo was first introduced in Russian President Vladimir Putin's state-of-the-nation address on March 1. The weapon, initially named Status-6, is equipped with a nuclear engine, has a speed of about 110-130 km/h and can attack targets thousands of kilometers away.

Poseidon is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads to destroy coastal military facilities, aircraft carrier strike groups and other enemy targets. Poseidon's nuclear warhead has an explosive yield of up to two megatons, equivalent to two million tons of explosives.