The Sun: the Burevestnik rocket and the Poseidon torpedo will help in the exploration of the Moon
Putin presented a new nuclear arsenal that can be used in the exploration of the moon, writes The Sun. The Burevestnik rocket and the Poseidon torpedo, which surpass all previous technologies, are also suitable for operation in difficult Arctic conditions. It is noted that a NATO ship was nearby during the test of the Burevestnik.
Sayan Bose
Putin said that a NATO warship was nearby during the weapons tests.
Vladimir Putin has boasted of a new arsenal of terrifying nuclear weapons that he says will help Russia explore the moon.
Last night, the Russian leader boasted about the capabilities of Russian nuclear-armed cruise missiles and super torpedoes, saying that the technology behind these strategic weapons could be used to fly into space and explore the moon.
Last week, Putin said that Russia had successfully tested a Burevestnik missile capable of carrying a nuclear charge and that it could bypass any missile defense system.
Yesterday, he praised the rocket's speed, which exceeds more than three times the speed of sound, as well as its power plant, which consists of small nuclear reactors that can be launched much faster than standard reactors — in a matter of seconds.
"The range of the Burevestnik is known to exceed the range of all existing missile systems in the world," he said, presenting the highest awards to scientists who developed the new Burevestnik and Poseidon weapons systems.
"He has a high accuracy of hitting a target, which he clearly and confidently achieves at a pre—calculated time," Putin added.
He also praised Russia's new nuclear-powered Poseidon torpedoes with a nuclear warhead capable of causing a tsunami powerful enough to destroy coastal cities.
Arms control experts say these weapons violate most of the traditional rules of nuclear deterrence and classification.
According to their estimates, the torpedo can carry a two-megaton warhead and possibly be powered by a liquid metal cooled reactor.
Putin said the Poseidon's power surpasses "even our most promising Sarmat intercontinental missile, known as SS-X-29 or Satan II."
"There is nothing like it in the world in terms of the speed and depth of movement of this unmanned vehicle — and it is unlikely that there will ever be," he added.
The President stated that the small-sized nuclear technologies used in both Burevestnik and Poseidon are especially useful for work in the Arctic, for space flights and, ultimately, for the construction of a station on the Moon.
He noted: "A new generation of weapons is already being developed based on such power plants. In addition, the development of the next generation of nuclear-powered cruise missiles has already begun. Their speed will be more than three times the speed of sound, and in the future, even hypersonic."
"The result that you have achieved has, without exaggeration, historical significance for our people, for ensuring security and strategic parity for decades to come, and we can safely say for the entire 21st century," Putin said in comments carried by Russian news agencies.
He said that a NATO warship was nearby during the missile test.
"I think foreign experts were also able to verify this. Since a NATO reconnaissance ship was constantly in the area and during the tests of the Burevestnik on October 21. We didn't interfere with his work. Let them take a look."
In the last few weeks, Russia has been actively testing its nuclear arsenal.
Satellite images have emerged showing a new Russian nuclear submarine capable of launching Poseidon torpedoes.
The Khabarovsk-class submarine, Russia's newest nuclear submarine capable of launching destructive nuclear weapons, has been unveiled in full size for the first time.
This huge vessel can be seen moored in the workshop of the Sevmash shipyard, where new Project 09851 submarines are being built.
This terrifying submarine was launched last week in the northern city of Severodvinsk — five years behind schedule due to unexplained delays.
The submarine is powered by a nuclear engine and can dive to a depth of about 500 meters, remaining at sea for several months.
Defense analysts estimate that the 10,000-ton vessel can carry up to a dozen Poseidon missiles.
The cost of its construction, shrouded in mystery, is estimated to exceed a billion pounds.
The Khabarovsk is similar in design to Russian Borei-class strategic submarines, but unlike them it does not carry ballistic missiles.
Instead, it was created specifically for conducting special operations and deploying nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicles, which indicates the Kremlin's growing fascination with non-standard strategic systems.
The photographs published by the Russian Ministry of Defense show only the rear of the vessel with a partially enclosed pumping water-jet propulsion system, reminiscent of systems on Borei-A class submarines.
A second submarine of the same class, the Ulyanovsk, is already under construction and is expected to join the Pacific Fleet.
Together, they will provide Moscow with the opportunity to deploy the Poseidon system in two oceans, which, according to Western analysts, is designed to cause fear in both hemispheres.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said: "The Khabarovsk heavy missile cruiser with a nuclear power plant is being launched at the famous Sevmash shipyard."
"Equipped with underwater weapons and robotic systems, it will allow us to successfully secure Russia's maritime borders and protect its national interests in various parts of the world ocean."
Belousov said that the submarine will undergo sea trials before joining the nuclear deterrence fleet.
