After 25 Years, Repairs on Russian Kirov-Class Cruiser “Admiral Nakhimov” Face Further Delays
Defense sources in Russia revealed that the repairs and upgrades on what is touted as the "most powerful ship in the Russian Navy", Kirov-class cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov" have faced significant delays, despite its prolonged stay of about 25 years at the Sevmash Shipyard.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – After 25 years of repairs and upgrades, the Russian Navy’s Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruiser “Admiral Nakhimov” (Project 11442M) was scheduled to begin sea trials on November 15.
However, defense sources in Russia revealed that the repairs and upgrades on what is touted as the “most powerful ship in the Russian Navy” have faced significant delays, despite its prolonged stay at the Sevmash Shipyard.
Russia has reportedly spent $2 billion (approximately RM9 billion) on the refurbishment of “Admiral Nakhimov”.
Analysts, however, estimate that the cost may have doubled.
These delays have pushed the sea trials, initially planned for November 15, 2024, to an unspecified date next year.
“This marks yet another delay in the repair and upgrade schedule for the ship, which has seen multiple revisions over the years,” sources said.
Weighing 28,000 tons (fully loaded), “Admiral Nakhimov” is considered the most capable surface combatant in the Russian Navy.
Repairs and upgrades on the Kirov-class cruiser began in 1999 at the Sevmash Shipyard.
Weighing 28,000 tons (fully loaded), “Admiral Nakhimov” is considered the most capable surface combatant in the Russian Navy.
Together with its sister ship, “Pyotr Velikiy”, “Admiral Nakhimov” is one of two nuclear-powered surface ships in the Russian fleet.
The Russian Navy plans to retire “Pyotr Velikiy” once “Admiral Nakhimov” completes its upgrades and returns to operational service.
A few months ago, Sevmash Shipyard announced that it had begun crew training for “Admiral Nakhimov”, preparing sailors to test the ship’s systems during sea trials.
Among the extensive upgrades to the nuclear-powered warship are a refueling of its nuclear reactor and the installation of advanced weapon systems, including new cruise missiles.
Originally commissioned into the Soviet Navy in 1988 under the name “Kalinin”, the cruiser was renamed “Admiral Nakhimov” in 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 8 and ranges of 1,000 kilometers, the “Tsirkon” hypersonic missile can be fitted with nuclear warheads.
The ship will be equipped with 176 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells for deploying land-attack and air-defense missiles.
Notably, the upgraded arsenal will include the hypersonic “Tsirkon” missiles, with Russian military observers reporting that the cruiser will carry up to 60 of these missiles.
Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 8 and ranges of 1,000 kilometers, the “Tsirkon” can be fitted with nuclear warheads.
Additional armaments include “Kalibr” cruise missiles, Fort-M and Pantsir-M air defense systems, as well as “Paket-NK” and “Otvet” anti-submarine systems.
Originally commissioned into the Soviet Navy in 1988 under the name “Kalinin”, the cruiser was renamed “Admiral Nakhimov” in 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Once operational, “Admiral Nakhimov” will serve with Russia’s Northern Fleet after completing its sea trials. — DSA