Khabarovsk has entered sea trials after a prolonged fitting-out period. As a purpose-built carrier for the 2M39 Poseidon nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable unmanned underwater vehicle, it marks a significant step in Russian strategic force development. Sea trials do not establish operational readiness: weapon integration, crew certification, maintenance and command arrangements remain to be validated.
The full Analysis assesses the submarine’s reported characteristics, the maturity and limits of the Poseidon system, implications for NATO anti-submarine warfare and nuclear warning, and indicators for a sustainable deployment cycle. Exact performance figures and the timeline for operational acceptance remain uncertain.