Key Points and Summary – Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-class nuclear battlecruiser, is nearing recommissioning after one of Russia’s costliest naval overhauls.
-The 28,000-ton ship now packs 80 UKSK VLS cells for Kalibr, Oniks, and Zircon hypersonic missiles, plus S-400 naval air defense and Pantsir-M CIWS.
-A dual-reactor power plant delivers 32-knot speed and global endurance, while upgraded sensors, EW suites, and a 130 mm gun round out the refit.
-Supporters call it a long-range strike and fleet air-defense centerpiece; critics see an expensive, drone-era target that trades real deterrence—like more submarines—for symbolism.
-Trials continue, with full return expected around 2026.
Kirov-Class Admiral Nakhimov Battlecruiser Is Back
The Admiral Nakhimov is one of the largest vessels in the Russian Navy’s service. Initially, these vessels were the pride of the Soviet Navy; however, many now view them as obsolete.
Initially commissioned in 1988 under the name Kalinin, it is the third ship of the Project 1144 Orlan class, known in NATO as the Kirov-class.
These ships were designed during the Cold War to serve as heavily armed surface combatants capable of countering NATO carrier strike groups and submarines.
With a full-load displacement of approximately 28,000 tons, a length of 251 meters, and a beam of 28.5 meters, the Admiral Nakhimov is among the largest non-aircraft carrier warships ever built.
Russia Nuclear Battlecruiser
After being renamed in 1992 to honor Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, a hero of the Crimean War, the ship served for several years before being laid up in 1997 due to budgetary constraints and the high cost of maintenance.
It remained inactive for over a decade until a major modernization program began in the early 2010s. This refit, which has taken more than ten years and cost billions of dollars, is one of the most ambitious naval upgrades in Russian history.
A combined nuclear and steam propulsion system powers the Admiral Nakhimov. It features two nuclear reactors and two oil-fired boilers that drive two steam turbines connected to twin shafts.
This configuration enables the ship to reach speeds of up to 32 knots, providing virtually unlimited operational range, limited only by the endurance of its crew and the availability of supplies.
The nuclear propulsion system was fully reactivated in late 2024 and early 2025, marking a significant milestone in the ship’s return to operational status.
Retrofitted With New Weapons
The modernization of Admiral Nakhimov has focused heavily on upgrading its weapons systems, sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities. One of the most significant changes is the installation of 80 UKSK vertical launch system (VLS) cells arranged in 10 modules.
These VLS cells are capable of launching a variety of advanced missiles, including the Kalibr cruise missile for land-attack and anti-submarine roles, the P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship missile, and the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile.
This missile loadout gives Admiral Nakhimov a strike capability that surpasses most Western surface combatants, including the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Zumwalt-class stealth destroyers.
Russian Navy Kirov-class Battlecruiser. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
In terms of air defense, the ship has been equipped with 96 launchers for the naval variant of the S-400 surface-to-air missile system, replacing the older S-300F system.
This provides long-range air defense against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats.
Additionally, the ship now carries eight Pantsir-M close-in weapon systems (CIWS), which replace the older Kashtan systems and offer improved protection against drones and incoming missiles. Two Osa-M launchers have been retained to provide short-range air defense.
Designed to Fight the U.S. Navy
The ship’s gun armament includes a single 130 mm A-192M naval gun, which is used for surface engagements and shore bombardment.
For anti-submarine warfare, Admiral Nakhimov is equipped with ten 533 mm torpedo tubes and multiple rocket launchers, including the RBU-6000 and RBU-1000 systems. These weapons, combined with its onboard helicopters, give the ship a robust capability to detect and engage submarines.
(Aug. 22, 2023) Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Chase Allen maintains the barrel of a Mark 45 5-inch light-weight gun on the fo’c’sle of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 22, 2023. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elliot Schaudt)
The ship’s aviation facilities include a flight deck and hangar capable of supporting up to three Kamov Ka-27 helicopters.
These helicopters are used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue operations, and reconnaissance missions.
The modernization also included a complete overhaul of the ship’s radar and electronic warfare systems, replacing outdated Soviet-era equipment with modern fire-control radars, target tracking systems, and communications gear.
Admiral Nakhimov Returns to the Sea
As of September 2025, Admiral Nakhimov has completed its initial sea trials, which tested its propulsion systems, nuclear reactors, and onboard electronics.
Further trials are scheduled in the Barents Sea before the ship is officially recommissioned, likely in 2026.
Once fully operational, Admiral Nakhimov is expected to become the flagship of the Russian Northern Fleet, replacing its sister ship Pyotr Velikiy, which is slated for decommissioning.
The Admiral Nakhimov is designed to fulfill multiple roles. Its vast missile arsenal allows it to project power far beyond Russia’s coastal waters, striking land targets, surface ships, and submarines at long ranges.
The inclusion of Zircon hypersonic missiles gives it a cutting-edge capability to penetrate modern air defenses and deliver devastating strikes. Its air defense systems enable it to protect entire task groups from aerial threats, making it a central node in fleet defense operations.
The ship’s anti-submarine capabilities, combined with its helicopters and sonar systems, allow it to operate effectively in contested underwater environments.
Additionally, its size and advanced communications systems make it well-suited to serve as a command and control platform for naval task forces.
Admiral Nakhimov Question: Is the Kirov-Class Obsolete?
The Admiral Nakhimov is certainly an impressive cruiser, but many experts wonder if the ship is still relevant today.
In an era that is now dominated by sea-borne drones and high-precision anti-ship missiles, some argue that the Admiral Nakhimov is nothing more than an expensive moving target.
These critics argue that such ships are vulnerable to modern threats and may not offer the same return on investment as smaller, more agile platforms.
Arguably, a better use of funds would be to build more submarines, the vessels that actually pose a threat to NATO (fun fact: with the funds used to modernize the Admiral Nakhimov the Russians could have acquired three Borei-class submarines or four Yasen-class submarines).
Despite criticisms, the Russians are set on reviving the Admiral Nakhimov. Being stationed in the North Atlantic, the ship is unlikely to see combat anytime soon.
Its value is likely more symbolic than anything else. While the ship does indeed boast some impressive capabilities, especially with its new modifications, its contributions are not likely to change the tide of any war in the near future.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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