Russia launches huge ‘doomsday’ Belgorod supersub

The Russian military has launched a terrifying new submarine — capable of carrying weapons that could trigger tsunami-sized waves.

Russia has launched its new Belgorod submarine, which is designed to carry devastating underwater nuclear drones.

Moscow’s development of nuclear-powered drones has been closely watched in recent years, amid concern that Russia could be adding a “doomsday” weapon, capable of unleashing tidal waves, to its arsenal.

Russia's Belgorod submarine. Picture: Twitter

During Tuesday’s visit to a military shipyard in St. Petersburg, President Vladimir Putin viewed the departure of the Belgorod sub at the Sevmash plant in Severodvinsk in northwestern Russia via a teleconference.

The submarine, which is also known as Special Project 09852, is attracting plenty of attention. “Russia launches its special purpose deep diving and second nuclear strike submarine at the Severodvinsk shipyards today. A very special ship,” European Council on Foreign Relations co-chair Carl Bildt tweeted.

Russia launches its special purpose deep diving and second nuclear strike submarine at the Severodvinsk shipyards today. A very special ship. https://t.co/BiloWh818p

— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) April 23, 2019

The Russian Navy said the submarine, designed to carry Poseidon drones, is set to enter service next year.

The Poseidon can target coastal areas with a heavy nuclear weapon, causing a devastating tsunami wave. Putin has said its tests have been successful.

He first mentioned the nuclear-powered drone among an array of other new weapons in a state-of-the-nation address last year, saying they would render US missile defence systems useless.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Picture: Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik

The world got its first glimpse of Belgorod from images of the massive vessel’s stern captured during the launch ceremony in Severodvinsk.

Experts also noted an unusual bulge on the submarine’s hull.

“The main feature photographed which raises questions is a bulge on the lower hull,” defence analyst H.I. Sutton wrote.

“This may relate to retractable steerable thrusters for precise position holding.”

Popular Mechanics reported that, at around 184m, Belgorod would be the world’s longest submarine.

This article originally appeared on Fox News and has been republished here with permission.