A Russian navy attempt to test a feared nuclear-powered torpedo called Poseidon is believed to have failed due to technical problems, it is reported.
Unveiled with much fanfare in 2019, the Poseidon torpedo was said to be able to wipe out cities by causing a tsunami.
But the apocalyptic weapon, launched from the Belgorod, the world’s longest submarine, appears to be going through prolonged technical problems since coming into service last summer.
It comes as Vladimir Putin seems to be having issues also with the new-age hypersonic Satan-2 nuclear missile which was supposed to be ready last June but is still not ready for testing.
And a test of the Poseidon in recent weeks had had to be abandoned from the Belgorod, according to a senior US official, it is reported.
The Belgorod was watched as it appeared to be readying for a test in the Arctic Sea before returning to port - with it believed to be down to technical problems, stated CNN.
“This can be seen as part of the bigger picture and Russia ’s recent military practice, sending ill-trained and under-equipped troops to Ukraine,” a Western diplomat told CNN.
“Russia’s military industry is going through difficult times, and we can also see that Western sanctions on high-tech military goods are having an effect and must continue.”
Russia may now attempt to test the torpedo again but they have limited time as the water will soon be iced over with the onset of winter.
Any attempts by Russia to test the torpedoes further raises the tension with Putin having said that he is ready to use nuclear weapons to defend his country.
The Poseidon torpedo is a nuclear-powered underwater weapon that is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear munitions - and due to its nuclear propulsion it is capable of covering almost any distance around the globe.
Putin first mentioned the Poseidon in 2018 where he reportedly said: “The nuclear power unit is unique for its small size while offering an amazing power-weight ratio.
"It is a hundred times smaller than the units that power modern submarines but is still more powerful and can switch into combat mode, that is to say, reach maximum capacity, 200 times faster."
