Chinese Researchers Propose Nuclear-Powered Torpedo Concept, Distinct from Russia's Poseidon

Beijing – Chinese researchers have unveiled a conceptual design for a new type of nuclear-powered, long-range torpedo, a development that has drawn comparisons to Russia's strategic Poseidon system but with significant differences in its proposed application and design. The concept, detailed in a peer-reviewed paper, suggests a shift towards smaller, potentially mass-producible unmanned underwater vehicles.

The proposed Chinese torpedo, spearheaded by scientist Guo Jian from the China Institute of Atomic Energy, features a disposable, low-cost nuclear reactor for propulsion over vast distances. This reactor would power the torpedo for hundreds of hours, enabling ranges comparable to the distance between Shanghai and San Francisco, before being detached and sinking to the seabed. The torpedo would then complete its mission using battery power for a conventional warhead.

This design diverges from Russia's Poseidon, which is a large, nuclear-tipped strategic weapon designed to devastate coastal areas. The Chinese concept emphasizes a conventional warhead and the ability to fit into standard torpedo tubes, suggesting a tactical rather than strategic role, potentially for reconnaissance, tracking, and conventional attacks. "Thanks to its high flexibility and low cost, this unmanned underwater vehicle equipped with the nuclear power system can be used as a conventional force like an attack nuclear submarine, rather than as a nuclear missile," Guo Jian reportedly stated.

The tweet from "Teortaxes▶️ (DeepSeek 推特🐋铁粉 2023 – ∞)" claimed, "These guys are actually parading a nuclear powered mega-torpedo Poseidon is no longer unique. Chyna stealing©opying again…" However, current information indicates the Chinese project is a conceptual design from a research paper, not a deployed or "paraded" weapon, and its characteristics differ substantially from Poseidon. While both utilize nuclear propulsion for extended range, their intended roles and warhead types appear distinct.

The development of such a concept highlights China's ongoing efforts in advanced naval technology, focusing on long-range autonomous underwater capabilities. Concerns have been raised by international observers regarding the potential environmental implications of disposable nuclear reactors on the seabed, as well as the broader impact on global strategic stability. The feasibility and ultimate deployment of this conceptual weapon remain subject to further research and development.