What Happened to Russia's Doomsday Submarine?

Summary

This video delves into Russia's new fifth-generation submarine, the Belgorod, the largest active submarine in the world. Dubbed 'Moscow's Doomsday Submarine' due to its nuclear Poseidon torpedo capable of triggering coastal tsunamis, the Belgorod serves as a launch platform for underwater drones, torpedoes, and smaller subs. However, the video questions the effectiveness and reality of these capabilities, as many are still in testing or development. The discussion also touches on Russia's military history, submarine technology, and the potential global impact if the Belgorod's weapons were to prove functional.

Takeaways

• 🚢 Russia's Belgorod submarine is the world's largest active fifth-generation sub and is referred to as Moscow's 'Doomsday Submarine.'
• 💣 The Belgorod is equipped with Poseidon nuclear torpedoes, which Russia claims can create tsunamis capable of destroying entire coastal cities.
• 📰 Russia's Belgorod submarine garners global media attention whenever it leaves its port, showcasing its significance.
• 🧪 Despite its advanced technology, Russia only has one Belgorod, and its capabilities are still largely unproven and under testing.
• 🔬 The Belgorod serves as an underwater mothership, launching other crafts, including AI-assisted torpedoes, drones, and smaller submarines.
• 🔧 The Belgorod's construction faced numerous delays and budget issues since its inception in the early 1990s, with modernization efforts continuing through 2022.
• ⚠️ Russia's strategy with the Belgorod is to counter NATO's naval advantage, focusing on aircraft carriers and coastal targets.
• 🤖 While Russia claims the Poseidon torpedoes have advanced stealth and AI capabilities, experts and intelligence sources remain skeptical.
• 🦈 The Belgorod also supports underwater espionage missions, but Russia has faced setbacks, such as the failure of the Losharik submarine program.
• 📡 NATO and the US are actively monitoring the Belgorod, deploying resources to counter any potential threat posed by Russia's underwater activities.

Q & A

What is the Belgorod submarine, and why is it significant?

The Belgorod is Russia's newest fifth-generation submarine, currently the largest in active use. It is significant due to its advanced capabilities, including launching nuclear torpedoes, underwater drones, and smaller submarines, making it a key strategic asset for Russia.

Why is the Belgorod referred to as 'Moscow's Doomsday Submarine'?

The Belgorod is nicknamed 'Moscow's Doomsday Submarine' because of its main weapon, the Poseidon Intercontinental nuclear torpedo, which is claimed to have the potential to trigger a tsunami and destroy entire coastal cities.

How does the Belgorod's strategy differ from traditional submarines?

Unlike most submarines that directly engage targets, the Belgorod functions as a mothership, launching autonomous systems like nuclear torpedoes, drones, and even smaller submarines. These systems can complete missions independently and return to the Belgorod or be recovered by other vessels.

What challenges does Russia face in deploying the Belgorod submarine?

Russia faces a significant challenge with the Belgorod due to the fact that they only have one of these submarines, making its deployment highly scrutinized and limiting its strategic flexibility. Russia's conservative approach to utilizing new technology further complicates its operational use.

What was the original purpose of the Belgorod under the Soviet Union?

The Belgorod's original purpose was to engage American aircraft carrier battle groups using guided missile submarines. It was part of the Soviet Union's Project 949A, which focused on countering NATO's naval advantage with a focus on carrier destruction.

What is the Poseidon torpedo, and why is it considered unique?

The Poseidon torpedo is an autonomous, AI-assisted, nuclear-powered, and nuclear-armed torpedo that can travel vast distances (up to 10,000 km) and has the potential to hit any coastal target. It is designed to remain undetected for long periods and can supposedly carry nuclear payloads with a blast yield of up to 100 megatons.

How reliable is the technology behind the Poseidon torpedo?

There are doubts about the Poseidon torpedo's reliability. Several capabilities, such as its stealth technology and its ability to evade tracking systems, remain unproven. In fact, a 2022 U.S. intelligence report revealed that a test launch failed, adding to skepticism about its functionality.

What role does the Belgorod play in Russia's naval strategy?

The Belgorod serves as both an underwater platform for nuclear deterrence and espionage. It is tasked with launching nuclear torpedoes, conducting underwater espionage, and sabotaging enemy infrastructure like fiber-optic cables. This dual role gives it both offensive and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Why was the construction of the Belgorod delayed multiple times?

The construction of the Belgorod was delayed multiple times due to a lack of funding, particularly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The project was halted and resumed several times between the 1990s and 2000s, eventually undergoing significant design changes to modernize its capabilities.

What are some of the concerns about the Belgorod and its weapon systems?

Concerns about the Belgorod and its Poseidon torpedoes include doubts about the technological feasibility of their capabilities. Experts question whether the torpedoes can indeed navigate autonomously for months and return undetected. Additionally, some of Russia’s claims, such as causing tsunamis with nuclear explosions, are seen as potential propaganda.