俄罗斯新型核武器亮相 西方反导系统可能“报废”

Core Viewpoint - Russia has successfully tested two new types of nuclear weapons: the "Zircon" nuclear-powered cruise missile and the "Poseidon" nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle, which have garnered significant attention from Western military and media analysts [1][3]. Group 1: Zircon Missile - The "Zircon" missile is approximately 12 meters long and can carry a nuclear warhead with a yield of 50 kilotons, providing global strike capability [1]. - It can fly nearly 30,000 kilometers without interruption due to its nuclear power, operating at a cruising altitude of 25 to 100 meters, which allows it to evade enemy air defense systems [3]. - Analysts speculate that the "Zircon" could take a long route during operations, flying low over the Arctic valleys and then crossing the Atlantic Ocean to reach the North American West Coast [3]. - Despite concerns from the U.S. Air Force regarding the reliability of the nuclear engine, it is acknowledged that the "Zircon" will disrupt the current strategic balance and serve as a significant deterrent against NATO [3]. - Russian leadership has indicated that the nuclear technology used in the "Zircon" could also be applied to national economic and scientific activities, such as Arctic energy supply and space exploration [3]. Group 2: Poseidon Vehicle - The "Poseidon" is about 20 meters long and weighs approximately 100 tons, powered by a liquid metal-cooled reactor, capable of operating at depths of up to 1,000 meters and traveling over 10,000 kilometers [4]. - Its operational principle involves being launched from a nuclear submarine and autonomously conducting long-range attacks, potentially creating underwater nuclear explosions to generate massive tsunamis that could devastate coastal infrastructure [5]. - The "Poseidon" can carry a nuclear warhead with a yield of up to 1 megaton, sufficient to destroy enemy naval bases and warships, while also disrupting commercial shipping for an extended period [7]. - The current Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty does not impose restrictions on nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicles, making it difficult for the West to monitor them [7]. - The deployment of the "Poseidon" could enhance Russia's second-strike capability and compel the U.S. and its allies to invest heavily in developing underwater defenses [7]. - U.S. Navy research indicates that locating and intercepting a vehicle like the "Poseidon" in the vast ocean will be extremely challenging, potentially leading to a prolonged underwater cat-and-mouse game [7].