Russia Unveils $2 Billion Revamped Admiral Nakhimov Battlecruiser – SOFREP News Team

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, Admiral Nakhimov 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.

Despite these hurdles, the ship’s return to service remains a priority for the Russian Navy, as Admiral Nakhimov 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.

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 Admiral Nakhimov is critical for the Russian Navy, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the future of Russia’s aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov.

The Admiral Nakhimov will serve alongside the Pyotr Velikiy (Peter the Great), Russia’s only other Kirov-class battlecruiser.

While Pyotr Velikiy has undergone some upgrades, it still relies on outdated Soviet-era weaponry and sensors.

In contrast, Admiral Nakhimov 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, Pyotr Velikiy has not undergone as extensive a modernization as Admiral Nakhimov, meaning the latter will have a more advanced suite of systems and weapons.

As the Admiral Kuznetsov’s return to service remains uncertain, Admiral Nakhimov will take on an increasingly important role in the Russian Navy’s future operations.

The Kirov-Class Legacy and Future Prospects

The Admiral Nakhimov 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—Admiral Ushakov (formerly Kirov) and Admiral Lazarev (formerly Frunze)—have already been decommissioned and scrapped.

The remaining ships, Pyotr Velikiy and Admiral Nakhimov, continue to serve, albeit with significant updates to ensure they remain operational.

Despite its age, the Admiral Nakhimov’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 Admiral Nakhimov’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.