US Intelligence: Russia’s Nuclear-Capable ‘Poseidon’ Underwater Drone Ready for Service by 2027
According to a U.S. intelligence assessment, the ‘Poseidon’ has been tested 11 occasions to date.
The nuclear-able underwater drone “Poseidon,” alternatively referred to as an unmanned underwater car or truck (UUV), autonomous underwater motor vehicle (AUV), or merely an intercontinental-assortment, nuclear autonomous torpedo, is anticipated to enter support with the Russian Navy by 2027, sources familiar with a U.S. intelligence assessment instructed CNBC this thirty day period.
Furthermore, the U.S. intelligence evaluation reportedly notes that the 11th and very last-recognized check of the Poseidon underwater drone was carried out in November 2018. U.S. intelligence also posits that the Poseidon’s nuclear propulsion technique has not been tested to day, contradicting Russian statements that sea trials of the new weapon procedure, which include tests of the propulsion procedure, are at present ongoing.
Notably, Russian sources stressed around the last months that the ongoing assessments are not complete-fledged sea trials and concentrate on the Poseidon’s advice process and underwater operations in autonomous method. The drone is detailed in Russia’s condition armament software for 2018-2027 and is predicted to be sent to the Russian military services in the late 2020s. The Russian Navy is predicted to acquire up to 30 Poseidon UUVs.
Savoring this write-up? Click below to subscribe for whole obtain. Just $5 a month.
It is however unclear, having said that, whether or not the Poseidon will shift over and above the prototype phase. Specially, it is unclear irrespective of whether Russia has the capacity to build a responsible miniaturized nuclear reactor for the UUV. The 2018 U.S. Nuclear Posture Assessment phone calls the Poseidon UUV a “new intercontinental, nuclear armed, nuclear-run, undersea autonomous torpedo.”
According to Russian stories, the Poseidon can purportedly be equipped with a thermonuclear warhead yielding about two-megatons.
A B-90 Sarov-course Undertaking 20120 diesel-electric powered submarine has reportedly served as the Poseidon’s principal launch platform in past exams. In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the “first nuclear-driven submarine armed with this unmanned motor vehicle will be launched” in the spring of 2019. This submarine, purportedly the Venture 09852 sub Belgorod, based on the 949A Oscar II-course nuclear-powered guided missile submarine, will sign up for the Russian Navy in 2020.
The Poseidon UUV can reportedly also be introduced by the new Venture 09851 submarine, a downsized variant of the Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. The two distinctive submarine kinds will purportedly be able of carrying four to six Poseidon UUVs each individual. Russian sources also stated that a overall of four Poseidon-carrying submarines are envisioned to enter assistance with just about every sub carrying up to 8 Poseidons bringing the full amount of UUVs to 32.
The Poseidon software was to start with exposed to the general public in September 2015.
It is unclear no matter whether the Poseidon will serve only as a nuclear-warhead delivery platform or can also be deployed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The post US Intelligence: Russia’s Nuclear-Capable ‘Poseidon’ Underwater Drone Ready for Service by 2027 appeared first on Defence Online.
from WordPress https://defenceonline.com/2019/03/26/us-intelligence-russias-nuclear-capable-poseidon-underwater-drone-ready-for-service-by-2027/
