The new nuclear-powered cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov" of project 1144.2M, after modernization, gained the ability to threaten aircraft carrier groups at a range of up to 1000 km. This was reported by military expert Vasily Dandykin.
According to him, the main weapon of the ship in this scenario are the hypersonic "Zircon" missiles.
The range allows striking up to 1000 km. This is a real threat to enemy aircraft carrier groups.
With the "Zircon" speed exceeding Mach 9, the potential reaction time for the target is reduced to a minimum, Dandykin clarified. If previously the "Admiral Nakhimov" carried 20 "Granit" missiles, after modernization the arsenal increased significantly.
At the same time, "Zircons" are fully compatible with 3S-14 launchers for "Oniks" and "Kalibr" missiles on Russian Navy ships. Therefore, there was no need to modify them or build new surface carriers.
Nikolai Patrushev, head of the Russian Maritime Board, noted that the "Admiral Nakhimov" will soon return to service, but did not specify exact dates.