Russia Prepared to Deploy Nuclear-Powered Cruiser Admiral Nakhimov

Russia is preparing to bring the nuclear-powered missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov back into its Navy after undergoing repairs and modernisation for nearly 27 years. This information was reported by the local Russian media, Novye Izvestia, in late August 2026.

The 251-metre-long vessel is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy by the end of 2026, following sea trials. During its modernisation, the cruiser received new radar systems, AK-192M 130mm naval gun mounts, and new missile weaponry.

In place of the 20 P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles, the ship has received vertical launch systems. This allows it to deploy Kalibr, Oniks, and hypersonic Zircon missiles. According to Russian sources, the cruiser possesses 176 launch cells.

Of these, 80 are intended for strike missiles, while the remaining 96 are allocated for S-400 surface-to-air missiles. Consequently, following its modernisation, the Admiral Nakhimov is expected to combine the capabilities of a long-range strike missile carrier with a powerful air defence vessel.

The Soviet-era cruiser is also capable of operating Ka-27 or Ka-31 helicopters. The ship is equipped with radar systems that extend the detection range for air and surface targets and relay information to the ship’s weapon systems.

At the same time, the Admiral Nakhimov is not designed to operate entirely alone. Given its importance and size, the cruiser requires escort ships to protect it from underwater, surface, and aerial threats.

As reported by Militarnyi on Sunday (6/9/2026), Russia may consider its deployment in the Arctic to be of strategic importance. Once returned to service in the Russian Navy, the Admiral Nakhimov could become one of the fleet’s primary assets.