Russian Navy to Decommission Monster-Size “Pyotr Veliky” Battlecruiser

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The formidable Kirov Class nuclear-powered battlecruiser, Pyotr Veliky, will not undergo the anticipated refurbishment, sources reveal. instead, the monster-warship is slated for decommissioning, leaving only one active Kirov Class vessel in the Russian fleet.

The move marks a significant reduction in Russia’s ocean-going surface fleet, with the remaining battle-cruiser, Admiral Nakhimov, set to complete refurbishment by 2024-2025.

The Kirov Class ships, known for their colossal size comparable to Japan’s Izumo Class aircraft carriers, are the largest surface combatants globally, boasting a weight exceeding triple that of the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke Class destroyers.

 Initially, Pyotr Veliky and Admiral Nakhimov were planned for modernization, featuring cutting-edge sensors, electronics, and weaponry.

While Admiral Nakhimov’s refurbishment progresses, Pyotr Veliky’s fate has shifted, according to an anonymous Navy source cited in Russian state media.

 The decision reflects a broader trend in Russia’s naval strategy, emphasizing smaller frigates and corvettes over larger destroyer or cruiser-sized ships since the Soviet era.

The retirement of Pyotr Veliky underscores the evolving priorities in Russia’s geopolitical landscape since 2022.

 The move aligns with advancements in missile capabilities, particularly the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile and the Kalibr missile’s surface-to-surface variants, enabling Russian ships to engage targets effectively from coastal waters.

The remaining Kirov Class battle-cruiser is expected to serve under the Northern Fleet, reflecting Russia’s heightened focus on the Arctic region as a key trade route and geopolitical battleground.

 As the sole nuclear-powered surface combatants, Kirov Class ships offer superior endurance, capable of extended sea deployments when resupplied by air.

Despite the unexpected retirement of Pyotr Veliky, Admiral Nakhimov’s refurbishment highlights Russia’s commitment to naval strength.

Equipped with new sensors, electronics, and the naval version of the S-400 air defense system, Admiral Nakhimov is touted as the “world’s strongest surface combat ship.”

The decision to retire the Kirov Class cruisers may be influenced by various factors, including the high cost of modernization, the operational expenses of nuclear-powered ships, and a budgetary shift responding to Russia’s evolving geopolitical landscape. The exact cause remains unclear. — DSA

DEFENCE  SECURITY ASIA APPS

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