Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday that the country’s navy will now be armed with hypersonic nuclear strike weapons and underwater nuclear drones, news agency Reuters reported. The defence ministry of Russia said that both the equipment were under the final phases of testing.
Though he did not specify when they would get the weapons, he mentioned that it will be soon. Putin has often spoken about advanced nuclear weapons which can hit almost anywhere in the world, even after denying that he wants an armed war.
During a speech in St. Petersburg at an annual naval parade showcasing Russia’s nuclear submarine, best ships and naval aviation, he said that the Navy will get 40 vessels this year as it was growing.
“The widespread deployment of advanced digital technologies that have no equals in the world, including hypersonic strike systems and underwater drones, will give the fleet unique advantages and increased combat capabilities,” Putin said.
In another statement released by Russian news agencies, the defence ministry of the country has said that the testing of the first submarine capable of carrying the Poseidon drones, known as Belgorod, is underway. The testing of the weapons system was almost completed.