New satellite images have revealed the design of the Project 09851 nuclear submarine "Khabarovsk", which is being built as a carrier of strategic "Poseidon" vehicles. Analyst H.I. Sutton explained the design features of the submarine.
According to him, the submarine was effectively deprived of its universal purpose and was built around one type of weapon — giant nuclear torpedoes with intercontinental range.
The main feature of the project is two huge compartments in the bow, designed to accommodate six "Poseidon" vehicles. Between them is a compact torpedo compartment for conventional weapons.
How many conventional torpedo tubes will be on board and how many spare torpedoes will be placed in the weapon compartments is still unknown. However, it can be assumed that there will be significantly fewer of them than on conventional nuclear attack submarines.
According to Sutton's assessment, the submarine received design elements from the "Borei-A" and "Belgorod" projects. At the same time, it is shorter than conventional missile carriers, as it lacks silos for ballistic missiles and deep-water compartments.
In October 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the testing of the underwater "Poseidon". The power of the vehicle significantly exceeds the power of the most promising intercontinental missile "Sarmat".
Read more on the topic:
- Fighters, submarines, and missiles: how Russia will strengthen its army in 2026
- "Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth": TNI Tells of the West's Reaction to Russia's Appearance of the "Khabarovsk" Nuclear Submarine
- The National Interest stated that Russia used Western technologies in the development of the "Harmony" hydroacoustic tracking system
