Russia’s Admiral Nakhimov, the largest surface combatant in the Russian Navy, is gearing up for a monumental return to service after undergoing a significant and long-awaited modernization.
Originally launched in 1986 as part of the Kirov-class battlecruiser series, AdmiralNakhimov has been undergoing an extensive overhaul since 2015.
Following several delays and budget overruns, the ship’s nuclear reactors were recently reactivated, and the battlecruiser is now being equipped with cutting-edge weapons systems and advanced technology.
Once complete, it will become the Russian Navy’s most formidable surface combatant.
A Long Road to Modernization
The Admiral Nakhimov is no stranger to delays.
Initially scheduled for completion in 2018, its modernization has reportedly faced numerous setbacks, pushing the timeline to 2024, with further delays casting uncertainty on the precise return date.
Work began in earnest in 2015, with significant plans to enhance the ship’s firepower and sensor systems. However, the modernization effort has been complicated by rising costs and technical challenges.
(Image grabbed via X)
Despite these hurdles, the ship’s return to service remains a priority for the Russian Navy, as AdmiralNakhimov is slated to play a central role in strengthening Russia’s naval forces.
Russia’s Admiral Nakhimov, the largest surface combatant in the Russian Navy, is gearing up for a monumental return to service after undergoing a significant and long-awaited modernization.
Originally launched in 1986 as part of the Kirov-class battlecruiser series, AdmiralNakhimov has been undergoing an extensive overhaul since 2015.
Following several delays and budget overruns, the ship’s nuclear reactors were recently reactivated, and the battlecruiser is now being equipped with cutting-edge weapons systems and advanced technology.
Once complete, it will become the Russian Navy’s most formidable surface combatant.
A Long Road to Modernization
The Admiral Nakhimov is no stranger to delays.
Initially scheduled for completion in 2018, its modernization has reportedly faced numerous setbacks, pushing the timeline to 2024, with further delays casting uncertainty on the precise return date.
Work began in earnest in 2015, with significant plans to enhance the ship’s firepower and sensor systems. However, the modernization effort has been complicated by rising costs and technical challenges.
(Image grabbed via X)
Despite these hurdles, the ship’s return to service remains a priority for the Russian Navy, as AdmiralNakhimov is slated to play a central role in strengthening Russia’s naval forces.
Modernization Goals: Weapons and Sensors
One of the most anticipated upgrades to the Admiral Nakhimov is its arsenal of weapons.
The battlecruiser is expected to be equipped with up to 174 vertical launch tubes, surpassing the capabilities of most other surface combatants or submarines in the world. These tubes will accommodate a variety of advanced Russian missiles, including the Kalibr (subsonic), Oniks (supersonic), and possibly the Zircon hypersonic missile.
If fully realized, these upgrades will significantly enhance the battlecruiser’s firepower, making it one of the most powerful warships in the world.
#NavalNews SEVMASH shipyard continues upgrading the Project 11442/Kirov class heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov (ex. Kalinin) to Project 11442M mod.
I wonder when (and if) this decades long upgrade saga will end.
Video released in November 2022 by SEVMASH. pic.twitter.com/T2zqFxDaNn
In addition to its missile upgrades, the Admiral Nakhimov will feature advanced sensors and targeting systems. These improvements will allow the ship to engage targets with high precision in both daylight and nighttime conditions, across a range of weather environments.
This would not only enhance the ship’s combat effectiveness but also increase the overall operational efficiency of the Russian Navy.
Strategic Importance: A Key Asset for the Russian Navy
The return of the AdmiralNakhimov is critical for the Russian Navy, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the future of Russia’s aircraft carrier, AdmiralKuznetsov.
The AdmiralNakhimov will serve alongside the PyotrVelikiy (Peter the Great), Russia’s only other Kirov-class battlecruiser.
While PyotrVelikiy has undergone some upgrades, it still relies on outdated Soviet-era weaponry and sensors.
In contrast, AdmiralNakhimov will be equipped with some of the most advanced weaponry and technology available, ensuring that it will be a key player in Russia’s maritime strategy.
The Kirov-class ships, designed to target large surface ships and provide integrated air defense and anti-submarine capabilities, represent the backbone of Russia’s surface combatant fleet.
However, PyotrVelikiy has not undergone as extensive a modernization as AdmiralNakhimov, meaning the latter will have a more advanced suite of systems and weapons.
As the AdmiralKuznetsov’s return to service remains uncertain, AdmiralNakhimov will take on an increasingly important role in the Russian Navy’s future operations.
The Kirov-Class Legacy and Future Prospects
The AdmiralNakhimov is one of the last remaining examples of the Kirov-class battlecruiser, a class of warships that were originally built for the Soviet Navy in the 1980s.
Out of the four Kirov-class ships originally constructed, two—AdmiralUshakov (formerly Kirov) and AdmiralLazarev (formerly Frunze)—have already been decommissioned and scrapped.
The remaining ships, PyotrVelikiy and AdmiralNakhimov, continue to serve, albeit with significant updates to ensure they remain operational.
Despite its age, the AdmiralNakhimov’s return to service will ensure that Russia retains a powerful surface combatant capable of engaging a wide range of maritime threats.
The ongoing modernization of the ship underscores the Russian Navy’s commitment to maintaining its naval power and adapting to modern naval warfare technologies.
The Road Ahead for the Admiral Nakhimov
The AdmiralNakhimov’s return to service, once completed, will mark a significant milestone in the Russian Navy’s modernization efforts. Despite facing delays and cost overruns, the ship’s planned upgrades will make it a formidable asset in Russia’s naval fleet.
With its impressive arsenal of missiles, advanced sensors, and modernized systems, the Admiral Nakhimov is projected to become the most powerful surface combatant in the Russian Navy.
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