ST. PETERSBURG, June 26. /TASS/. Russia’s Belgorod special-purpose nuclear-powered submarine of Project 09852 began the manufacturer’s sea trials in the White Sea, a shipbuilding industry source told TASS on the sideliens of the International Maritime Defence Show 2021.

"On June 25, the Belgorod nuclear sub took to the White Sea for the first time, for the manufacturer’s sea trials," he said.

According to the source, state trials will begin once the manufacturer’s trials are completed.

"The nuclear submarine is to be handed over to the ordering party in late 2021," he said.

The Sevmash shipyard’s press service refrained from any comments on the issue.

Earlier, a source close to the Russian Defense Ministry said the special-purpose nuclear sub is to enter service with Russia’s Pacific Fleet.

The Belgorod is the first carrier of the Poseidon strategic unmanned underwater craft. It has to deliver a retaliation nuclear strike at the potential adversary in case it attacks first. The Belgorod was floated out on April 23, 2019.