The nuclear reactor has been started up on the Admiral Nakhimov nuclear-powered missile cruiser (Project 11442M Orlan). After a large-scale modernization, the ship will return to the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy. According to Bulgarian Military, \"The saga of the modernization of the Admiral Nakhimov has been fraught with difficulties and delays.\"
The ship was laid up at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk in 1999. It was expected to be repaired by 2012. However, due to lack of funding and the construction of ships of other projects, the Admiral Nakhimov remained in limbo.
In 2014, work on the nuclear-powered missile cruiser resumed. The shipbuilders planned to make it one of the most formidable warships.
By 2020, the Sevmash plant stated that the Admiral Nakhimov was approximately 50% ready. Sea trials, scheduled for 2023, were postponed to the spring of 2024. The transfer of the ship to the Northern Fleet is expected in 2026.
What is known about the modernization of the Admiral Nakhimov
After modernization, the Admiral Nakhimov will carry Tsirkon hypersonic anti-ship missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles, and a naval version of the S-400 air defense system.
As of the beginning of 2023, the final integration of systems was underway on the battlecruiser. Its arsenal will include weapons such as the Fort-M and Pantsir-M air defense systems.
Why does Russia need the modernized Admiral Nakhimov?
Russia's decision to return the Admiral Nakhimov to service is due to several reasons. Firstly, the ships of Project 1144.2M are considered to be among the most powerful.
The Admiral Nakhimov has significant combat potential. After modernization, it will be able to participate in modern naval operations.
Secondly, Russia must strengthen its naval presence in the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic.
The cruiser can serve as a mobile platform for powerful weapons systems, including long-range cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and modern air defense systems, allowing it to function as a command ship within naval task forces.
In addition, modernizing the ship is more cost-effective than building new vessels. After commissioning, the Admiral Nakhimov will strengthen the Northern Fleet, expanding Russia's capabilities in the Arctic and beyond.
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