Russia’s Mighty Nuclear Battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov Powers Up as Modernization Reaches Final Stages
As reported by Russian news agency TASS on February 4, the battlecruiser’s first reactor was successfully brought online in December 2024, followed by the activation of the second on February 2, 2025—marking a decisive step toward its long-anticipated return to service.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –The Russian Navy’s formidable Kirov-class nuclear-powered battlecruiser, Admiral Nakhimov, has reached a critical milestone in its long-awaited modernization, with both of its nuclear reactors now fully operational.
As reported by Russian news agency TASS on February 4, the battlecruiser’s first reactor was successfully brought online in December 2024, followed by the activation of the second on February 2, 2025—marking a decisive step toward its long-anticipated return to service.
“This confirms the operational readiness of the battlecruiser’s nuclear propulsion system,” the report stated.
Currently berthed at the Sevmash Shipyard, the formidable Kirov-class battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov is on the brink of its long-awaited return to the seas.
Set to commence sea trials in the summer of 2025, the warship will undergo rigorous state trials before its anticipated commissioning in 2026.
Following an extensive modernization program, Admiral Nakhimov will re-emerge as one of the most heavily armed surface combatants in the world, surpassing even the U.S. Navy’s Zumwalt– and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in missile capacity.
After 26 years in drydock, undergoing a series of repairs and upgrades, the battlecruiser is finally preparing for sea acceptance trials, a defining moment in its long-awaited resurrection.
With its nuclear reactors once again fully operational, Admiral Nakhimov is now poised to reclaim its place at the heart of the Russian Navy’s surface fleet, marking the dawn of a new era in Russia’s naval power projection.
“The heart of the warship is beating once again,” reported Military Maps, a Telegram channel closely linked to the Russian military.
Upon completing sea trials, the Kirov-class battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov will return to active service with the Russian Navy.
A Costly and Extensive Modernization
Russia has reportedly poured an estimated $2 billion (RM9 billion) into the massive overhaul of Admiral Nakhimov, though experts suggest the actual cost may have soared to twice that amount.
This monumental modernization effort, which began in 1999 at Sevmash Shipyard, is set to transform Admiral Nakhimov into the most formidable surface combatant in the Russian Navy, boasting a full displacement of 28,000 tons.
Currently, the Russian fleet maintains only two nuclear-powered surface warships—Admiral Nakhimov and its sister ship, Pyotr Velikiy.
However, the Navy has signaled its intention to retire Pyotr Velikiy once Admiral Nakhimov is fully operational, consolidating its naval power around this revitalized warship.
As its return to active duty draws near, Sevmash Shipyard has already commenced crew training, preparing the battlecruiser for its long-awaited resurgence at sea.
Upgraded Weaponry and Advanced Systems
As part of its extensive and groundbreaking modernization, Admiral Nakhimov underwent a complete reactor refueling process, replacing the uranium in its nuclear reactors to ensure maximum power and efficiency.
The battlecruiser has also been revamped with an array of cutting-edge weapon systems, including state-of-the-art cruise missiles.
The warship now boasts 176 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells, capable of launching a mix of land-attack and air-defense missiles with unparalleled precision.
Among its new arsenal is the Tsirkon hypersonic missile, with Russian military analysts speculating that the battlecruiser will be equipped with 60 units of this revolutionary weapon.
Capable of exceeding Mach 8, the Tsirkon can be equipped with a nuclear warhead, enabling it to strike targets up to 1,000 km away.
In addition to the Tsirkon, Admiral Nakhimov will also be armed with Kalibr cruise missiles and a host of advanced anti-submarine systems, including the Paket-NK and Otvet torpedo defense systems, further cementing its dominance on the high seas.
Enhanced Air Defense Capabilities
The warship’s air defense systems have also been significantly upgraded.
The aging S-300F system has been replaced with a naval variant of the S-400, while its close-range defenses have been reinforced with the advanced Pantsir-ME system and a naval adaptation of the S-350 Vityaz, replacing the outdated Osa-M system.
Historical Background
Originally launched as Kalinin, the formidable Admiral Nakhimov was constructed at the Baltic Shipyard in Leningrad, becoming the third nuclear-powered battlecruiser of the renowned Kirov class.
Laid down on May 17, 1983, launched on April 25, 1986, and commissioned into the Russian Northern Fleet on December 30, 1988, the warship initially operated under its original name until April 22, 1992, when it was renamed to honor one of Russia’s most esteemed naval commanders.
However, its operational trajectory shifted when it was placed into long-term maintenance in 1999, entering an extended period of dormancy.
A decade later, in 2013, a full-scale modernization program was initiated, paving the way for its long-awaited return to service.
Upon successful completion of its sea trials, Admiral Nakhimov is set to rejoin the Northern Fleet, bolstering Russia’s naval presence in the Arctic and beyond.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
