Russia’s Admiral Nakhimov nuclear-powered cruiser goes on test after 25 years of modernization

8 December, 2024 The nuclear-powered missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov during repairs and modernization at SevMash. Photo: SevMash The Admiral Nakhimov nuclear-powered guided-missile heavy cruiser has been put to the test after 25 years of repair and modernization.

Russian media reported on the vessel's entry into sea trials. The ship is currently undergoing demagnetization and will begin sea trials, which should last for about two years. After that, it is likely to return to the Russian Navy.

The Project 1144.2M Orlan Admiral Nakhimov nuclear-powered guided-missile heavy cruiser was laid up for repair and modernization in 1999 at the Sevmash shipyard, where it was to be repaired and modernized by installing new radar systems, a weapons control system, and integrating new weapons.

The Admiral Nakhimov nuclear cruiser during sea trials. Photo: News Fleet

The ship itself was commissioned into the Soviet Navy in 1988, complementing the Kirov and Admiral Lazarev sister ships of the same design. During the modernization, the integration of weapons changed in accordance with the times, and according to the latest information, the ship was modernized to use Tsirkon hypersonic missiles, as well as Kalibr cruise missiles and Onyx supersonic anti-ship missiles.

In addition, air defense was strengthened with the addition of Fort-M and Pantsir-M systems, and anti-submarine capabilities were improved by adding Paket-NK and Otvet torpedoes and anti-torpedoes. A "UKSK 3S14" vertical launch system with 80 weapons cells was installed to use the increased range of weapons during the modernization.

The Admiral Nakhimov nuclear-powered cruiser during preparation for sea trials. Photo: News Fleet

It should be noted that such long periods of ship repair and modernization at Russian shipyards are typical due to the degradation of the shipbuilding sector.

Today, it is unable to provide timely repairs to warships, let alone build them. Currently, the average age of a ship's hull in the Russian Navy is about 35 years, which is an extremely critical indicator. However, due to Russia's inability to build ships in a relatively short time, the fleet's average age will only increase.

Militarnyi previously reported that Russia had launched a new Zircon hypersonic missile carrier, the Project 22350 frigate Admiral of the Soviet Union Isakov.

The ship's launch took place 11 years after the ship's official laying down in November 2013, when the ship was supposed to be completed by 2018.