Analysts have cast doubt on the effectiveness of the modernized cruiser Admiral Nakhimov
Russia is completing the nearly 27-year-long modernization of the nuclear-powered missile cruiser *Admiral Nakhimov*, the cost of which is estimated to have reached approximately $5 billion. At the same time, Western analysts believe that the ship’s return to the fleet is unlikely to significantly alter the balance of power at sea.
The cruiser is currently undergoing final sea trials. It was commissioned into the Soviet Navy in 1988 and sent for modernization back in 1999. Initially, the ship was scheduled to return to service in 2018, but the deadline was postponed several times.
Following its modernization, the Admiral Nakhimov was equipped with 80 universal launchers for cruise, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and hypersonic missiles, as well as upgraded air defense systems.
The ship is expected to become the new flagship of the Russian Federation’s Northern Fleet, replacing the cruiser “Peter the Great,” which is scheduled to be decommissioned. Thus, the number of heavy nuclear-powered cruisers in the Russian fleet will not increase.
19FortyFive notes that the ship is equipped with launchers for “Zircon” hypersonic missiles. At the same time, their effectiveness is in doubt, as during the war against Ukraine, Ukrainian military officials reported that some of these missiles had been intercepted by Patriot systems.
According to Western analysts, even after a large-scale modernization, the Admiral Nakhimov is unlikely to significantly enhance the Russian Navy’s combat capabilities. They believe the ship is more a symbol of the Kremlin’s desire to maintain its status as a major maritime power than a factor capable of altering the actual balance of power at sea.
This is reported by 19FortyFive.
As a reminder, Russia is returning the Admiral Nakhimov cruiser to service after 30 years of repairs.
Russia has launched the nuclear-powered cruiser Admiral Nakhimov for sea trials.
