Russia’s Admiral Nakhimov cruiser and other Orlan-class ships outperform their Western counterparts, according to analysts at the U.S. magazine Military Watch Magazine.
The authors noted that Kirov-class cruisers remain the heaviest surface combat ships currently in service. Their displacement reaches 28,000 tons, while NATO’s most powerful surface warships, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, have a displacement of around 10,000 tons.
The magazine also pointed to the speed of the Russian cruisers, which can reach 32 knots. According to the analysts, this allows them to outrun any cruiser, destroyer, frigate, amphibious assault ship or aircraft carrier currently operated by the U. S. Navy and other NATO forces.
Military Watch Magazine also highlighted the firepower of the Admiral Nakhimov, the range of its weapons and its resistance to damage. The publication argued that the cruiser’s return to service after modernization will significantly strengthen the Russian fleet.
In June this year, the press service of the Northern Fleet reported that the Admiral Nakhimov had entered the final stage of testing after repairs. The Project 1144.2M cruiser is considered the largest surface ship in the Russian Navy. It is equipped with a nuclear power plant and is designed to strike large surface targets, as well as provide integrated air and anti-submarine defense.