Moscow plans to deploy an entire division of submarines carrying Poseidon torpedoes in the Far East, russian state media agency TASS reports with a reference to own sources.
The formation of the unit should be done in between the end of 2024 and the second half of 2025. The coastal infrastructure is already in construction and should be ready by early 2024.
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Provided that a conventional submarine division is five to eight vessels, it looks like the unit will be understaffed if we take into account the number of Poseidon carriers only. With the information available at the moment, there's only one submarine that can launch these mega-torpedoes, an experimental ship named BS-329 Belgorod. It is a remodeled Project 949A Antey watercraft.
Just in time, around 2024-2025, the Pacific Fleet of the russian Navy should receive Khabarovsk, the first submarine of Project 09851 designed specially for the purpose of carrying Poseidon. Another submarine of this class is expected no sooner than 2027. At this rate, reaching a full division is a long way to go. For that reason, apparently, some different-class submarines will be included in this unit, maybe by means of withdrawing them from service with other divisions and fleets.
The deployment of Poseidon in Kamchatka is an important factor in considering the possibility of using this weapon in the scenario of World War III. The tasks of the Pacific Fleet prescribe that it should be used in potential hostilities against the United States and its allies (incl. Japan and Australia) as well as against China.
From the practical perspective, the deployment of Poseidon weapons in Kamchatka instead of the Northern Fleet that is responsible for countering the USA and European segment of NATO, speaks of Moscow's insecurity in relationships with Beijing.
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