Russia has launched a new nuclear-powered submarine, titled Belgorod, that is presumably capable of carrying nuclear-tipped underwater drones. Exact operational characteristics of the Belgorod have been classified by the Russian government, however, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Belgorod is intended to target aircraft carriers and coastal facilities with its nuclear weapons. Putin also claims that the nuclear-tipped drones are impossible to intercept. State-run Russian news has reported that testing of the submarine will continue until the vessel is ready for deployment in 2020 or early 2021. The Belgorod will be the longest submarine ever built, capable of carrying up to six underwater drones.
