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The Poseidon nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable underwater drones from the Belgorod nuclear-powered submarine are scheduled for their first trials during the summer of 2023, a source from the defense institute told Sputnik.

Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drones are powered by a nuclear reactor, allowing them to operate for extended periods of time without the need for refueling.

Commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy, Adm. Nikolai Evmenov, told Sputnik on Thursday that the Belgorod submarine, designed to carry Poseidons, will enter into service of the Russian Navy in 2023.

"Tests of the Poseidon itself are scheduled for this summer," the source said on the sidelines of the International Maritime Defense Show 2023 in the port town of Kronstadt near St. Petersburg.
 
The Poseidon's reactor units operation is set to be tested first during the trials, the source said, adding that the units already underwent bench tests and necessary measures for their operation have been confirmed. 
 
The source said, "The Poseidon reactor units themselves are ready: they have been trialed at the stands, tested, and their performance and safety have been confirmed. They are ready to work as intended."

Back in 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the development of Poseidon drones during his address to the Russian parliament.

He announced that such sea drones could be equipped with conventional and nuclear weapons, allowing them to target a wide range of targets, including aircraft carrier groups, coastal fortifications, and infrastructure.

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Earlier in January, the first batch of Poseidon nuclear-capable underwater drones for Project 09852 special-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Belgorod was manufactured, a source close to the Russian military and defense industry told TASS.

"The first batch of Poseidon ammunition has been manufactured and will be soon delivered to special-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Belgorod," the source said.

The source revealed that various trials of core components of Poseidon underwater drones, including the nuclear power unit, were reported to be successfully completed.