Russia’s Khabarovsk submarine is broadly similar to an existing Borei-class submarine, but was built specifically to launch the advanced Poseidon nuclear torpedo.
Russia’s “Project 09851” is a purpose-built, nuclear-powered special submarine specifically designed to carry an autonomous nuclear torpedo known as the Poseidon. Project 09851, also known as the Khabarovsk, was launched out of the iconic Sevmash shipyards on November 1, and will enter a period of fitting-out and sea trials before commissioning.
While there has been much wailing and gnashing of teeth in the Western press over this news, few dare to point out that the only reason the Khabarovsk is even being deployed—was even built—all had to do with Moscow’s perception that the West was implacable about expanding NATO into its near-abroad. The Western nations were deeply committed to spreading NATO. The Russians know it, and won’t stand for it. Because of this, the world teeters on the brink of nuclear Armageddon.
Understanding Russia’s “Project 09851” Submarine
Khabarovsk is supposedly a modified hull derived from Russia’s potent Borei-class strategic submarines (Project 955). The key difference between Khabarovsk and the Borei-class is that the ballistic missile compartment has been removed from the former. Instead, that area has been replaced by large launch and handling facilities for the Poseidon autonomous nuclear torpedo.
Details about the Khabarovsk are understandably scant, given the great secrecy around its construction. Yet if it is based on the Borei class, the Khabarovsk would a displacement of around 10,000 tons and a length somewhere between 110 and 115 meters. It is known to be able to carry multiple Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), with most sources reporting that this sub can carry up to six Poseidon vehicles. Khabarovsk also retains conventional torpedoes for standard weapons and potentially anti-ship/land-attack missiles.
It has a nuclear reactor and can travel more than 30 knots when submerged, and its endurance is measured in months. There are around 100 crewmembers assigned to this submarine, but the exact number is unknown.
Poseidon UUVs are a nuclear-powered autonomous torpedo with an onboard nuclear reactor and a large warhead conceptually intended to strike coastal targets; it requires specialized carrying and launch arrangements that the Khabarovsk is built for. Khabarovsk is the second dedicated carrier after Belgorod—but the Belgorod was a conversion, whereas the Khabarovsk is reportedly a purpose-designed production hull.
What Can NATO Do About the Khabarovsk?
Operationally, Khabarovsk acts as a deployment and launch platform for the Poseidon. As such, according to Russian sources, the Khabarovsk is meant to operate at speeds and depths beyond many defenses. The weapon itself is believed to produce a “doomsday tsunami” although this is in dispute.
Poseidon’s operational reliability, guidance, stealth, and reactor performance remain a matter of debate. While Poseidon is intended to be stealthy, the sub itself remains constrained by typical vulnerabilities (acoustic signature, transit chokepoints, intelligence surveillance). Effective anti-submarine warfare (ASW), satellite/ELINT tracking, and chokepoint monitoring raise risks.
The fact is that this system is part of a larger Russian push to signal strong deterrence against the Americans. By having a submarine dedicated to launching the doomsday Poseidon torpedo, Moscow hopes they can force America (and, by extension, NATO) to stand down in places like Ukraine. Thus far, Washington hasn’t gotten the message.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, and the Asia Times. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Emre Ucarer.
