OVERVIEW: The KANYON, also known as Status-6 or 2M39 Poseidon, is a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed unmanned underwater vehicle developed by Russia and publicly unveiled in 2018. It is designed to autonomously deliver a strategic nuclear payload against coastal installations and carrier groups.

DETAILS: The designation “KANYON” is the NATO codename, while the official Russian designation is 2M39 Poseidon. It was developed by the Rubin Design Bureau as part of Russia's strategic deterrent modernization. The vehicle is powered by a nuclear reactor and features autonomous navigation systems. The payload is believed to be a high-yield thermonuclear warhead.

TYPE: Nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle (strategic weapon)

FUNCTION: Poseidon is launched from modified submarines and uses autonomous inertial navigation supported by GLONASS to reach target areas. Upon approach, it is designed to detonate near naval bases or coastal cities to cause large-scale damage through blast and radioactive flooding.

NOTE:
IOC: Unknown (initial test launch reportedly in 2016, public reveal in 2018)
Manufacturer: Rubin Design Bureau (Russia)
Operators: Russia
Platforms: Project 09852 Belgorod (confirmed)
Conflict used in: None

SOURCE:
Naval News: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/07/sevmash-shipyard-delivers-belgorod-submarine-with-poseidon-torpedoes ; Naval Technology: https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/k-329-belgorod-nuclear-powered-submarine-russia/ ; Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; TASS ; Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Status-6_Oceanic_Multipurpose_System