The nuclear-powered missile cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov" of Project 1144.2M is returning to service after a deep modernization that lasted more than two decades. The ship, built back in the USSR, received an updated weapons and control system, which significantly changed its combat capabilities.
American analyst Chris Osborn noted in a 19FortyFive publication that the modernized cruiser could pose a serious challenge to aircraft carrier groups due to new fire control systems and an expanded missile arsenal.
The main change is the transition to universal launch systems UKSK 3S14. Instead of the previous Granit missiles, the ship received up to 80 cells for various types of weapons, including Kalibr, Onyx, and the hypersonic Zircon complex.
Multi-level protection is provided by the Fort-M and Pantsir-M complexes, and anti-submarine functions are performed by the Paket-NK system. The power system is based on KN-3 nuclear reactors, providing high autonomy.
The ship "Admiral Nakhimov" was commissioned in 1988. In 1999, the cruiser was put in for repair and modernization, which began in 2013.
Chairman of the Russian Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev noted that the "Admiral Nakhimov" will soon return to service, where it will serve alongside its counterpart - "Pyotr Velikiy". He did not specify exact dates.
