After more than two decades of extensive repairs and upgrades, the Russian Navy’s Kirov-class nuclear-powered battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov remains docked at the Sevmash Shipyard. Despite the long timeline and significant financial investment, recent revelations indicate that the highly anticipated sea trials—initially scheduled for November 15, 2024—have been postponed to an unspecified date next year.
Described as the “most powerful ship in the Russian Navy,” Admiral Nakhimov was initially slated to rejoin the fleet years ago. However, technical challenges, escalating costs, and shifting priorities have delayed its modernization. Originally built during the Soviet era, this colossal warship now represents a blend of Cold War-era engineering and modern military technology.
According to official estimates, Russia has spent $2 billion on the refurbishment of Admiral Nakhimov. However, independent analysts suggest the true cost may be closer to double that figure, reflecting the scope and complexity of the project. The financial outlay includes refueling the ship’s nuclear reactor, replacing outdated systems, and integrating cutting-edge weaponry.
Sources within the Russian defense industry describe the upgrade process as fraught with setbacks, including delays in receiving components and difficulties in implementing new technologies. These issues have resulted in repeated revisions to the ship’s timeline, further pushing the return-to-service date.
“This marks yet another delay in the repair and upgrade schedule for the ship, which has seen multiple revisions over the years,” said a source familiar with the matter.
When fully loaded, Admiral Nakhimov displaces 28,000 tons, making it one of the largest and most formidable surface combatants in the world. Its only sister ship, Pyotr Velikiy (Peter the Great), currently serves as the flagship of Russia’s Northern Fleet. The two vessels are the last remaining examples of the Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruisers, once envisioned as the crown jewels of the Soviet Navy.
The Russian Navy has announced plans to retire Pyotr Velikiy following the reactivation of Admiral Nakhimov. This transition underscores the strategic importance of the latter’s return to operational service, as it will shoulder a significant portion of Russia’s maritime defense capabilities in the Arctic and beyond.
The upgrades to Admiral Nakhimov are among the most extensive ever undertaken for a surface warship.
- Nuclear Reactor Refueling: A critical operation that ensures the ship’s reactor can power its systems for decades to come.
- Weapon Systems Overhaul: 176 Vertical Launch System (VLS) Cells: These provide the ship with a vast arsenal of missiles for diverse missions, including land attack, air defense, and anti-submarine warfare.
- Hypersonic “Tsirkon” Missiles: Capable of reaching speeds over Mach 8 and ranges up to 1,000 kilometers, these missiles can carry nuclear warheads and are considered a game-changer in modern naval warfare.
- “Kalibr” Cruise Missiles: A versatile weapon system for striking both sea and land-based targets.
- Advanced Air Defense: The Fort-M (a naval version of the S-300) and Pantsir-M systems provide multi-layered protection against aerial threats.
- Anti-Submarine Warfare: The Paket-NK and Otvet systems enhance the ship’s ability to counter undersea threats.
- Electronic Warfare and Sensors: The ship’s suite of sensors and communication systems has been upgraded to provide superior situational awareness and battlefield coordination.
Despite the delays, the Sevmash Shipyard recently reported progress in preparing the ship’s crew for its eventual sea trials. Training has focused on familiarizing sailors with the upgraded systems, ensuring they are ready to operate the complex vessel when it finally departs the shipyard.
“This stage is crucial,” said a military observer. “The ship’s systems are among the most advanced in the Russian Navy, and successful integration will depend on the crew’s proficiency.”
However, the delay has dampened expectations within Russia’s naval community, which had hoped to see Admiral Nakhimov return to service by late 2024.
The cruiser’s journey is steeped in history. Commissioned in 1988 as Kalinin, the ship was part of the Soviet Union’s ambitious naval expansion during the final years of the Cold War. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the ship was renamed Admiral Nakhimov in 1992, honoring a celebrated 19th-century Russian naval commander.
However, by the late 1990s, the ship had fallen into disrepair. In 1999, it was moved to the Sevmash Shipyard for what was intended to be a straightforward refurbishment. Over time, the scope of the project expanded significantly, transforming the vessel into a state-of-the-art platform designed to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
The return of Admiral Nakhimov to active duty holds profound implications for the Russian Navy, particularly in the context of heightened tensions with NATO and ongoing conflicts. The ship’s formidable capabilities will enhance Russia’s ability to project power, particularly in the Arctic, where competition over resources and shipping lanes is intensifying.
The inclusion of hypersonic weapons like the Tsirkon further underscores the ship’s strategic role. These missiles, with their unparalleled speed and range, have the potential to disrupt the naval balance of power, posing a significant challenge to adversaries’ missile defense systems.
While the promise of Admiral Nakhimov is undeniable, the project also highlights broader issues within Russia’s defense industry. Delays, cost overruns, and logistical hurdles have plagued the modernization process, reflecting systemic challenges in executing complex military projects.
Moreover, questions remain about the sustainability of operating such a large and sophisticated warship in the current geopolitical and economic climate. The Russian Navy’s focus on cost-effective solutions, such as smaller frigates and corvettes, stands in contrast to the enormous resources required to maintain a vessel of this size and complexity.
