Russia Returns Nuclear-Powered Cruiser Admiral Nakhimov to Navy Service After 27 Years of Repairs

Russia is preparing to bring back the nuclear-powered missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov to the Russian Navy after nearly 27 years of repairs and modernization.

Russian media outlet Novye Izvestia reported on this.

It is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy by the end of 2026, following trials.

During the modernization, the cruiser received new radar systems, an AK-192M 130 mm naval gun mount, and new missile armament.

Instead of the 20 P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles, the vessel received vertical launching systems. These allow it to deploy Kalibr, Oniks, and hypersonic Zircon missiles.

According to Russian sources, the cruiser has 176 launch cells. Of these, 80 are intended for strike missiles, while another 96 are allocated for S-400 surface-to-air missiles.

Thus, following its modernization, Admiral Nakhimov is expected to combine the capabilities of a long-range strike missile carrier and a powerful air-defense vessel.

The cruiser can also operate Ka-27 or Ka-31 helicopters. The latter are equipped with a radar system that extends the detection range for airborne and surface targets and relays information to the ship’s weapon systems.

At the same time, Admiral Nakhimov is not designed to operate entirely on its own. Given its importance and size, the cruiser will require escort ships to protect it from underwater, surface, and airborne threats.

Russia may attach particular importance to its deployment in the Arctic. After returning to service with the Russian Navy, Admiral Nakhimov could become one of the fleet’s flagship assets.

Admiral Nakhimov is the third ship of the Project 1144 Orlan. It was laid down in 1983 at the Baltic Shipyard in Leningrad, launched in 1986, and commissioned into the Soviet Navy in 1988 under the name Kalinin.

In 1992, the ship was renamed in honor of Russian Admiral Pavel Nakhimov.

Project 1144 Orlan cruisers are large nuclear-powered missile ships designed to engage major surface targets, provide air and anti-submarine defense, and perform command functions.

Nearly 27 Years of Repairs

Admiral Nakhimov belongs to Russia’s Northern Fleet, but has spent most of its service life undergoing repairs. Modernization work began back in 1999, with the active phase starting only in 2013 at the Sevmash facility in Severodvinsk.

The modernization was initially scheduled for completion in 2018, but the deadline was repeatedly postponed — first to 2020, then to 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025. As of 2025, the total cost of the work had exceeded RUB 200 billion.

In 2024–2025, Admiral Nakhimov went to sea for trials after undergoing extensive repairs.