Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev said the nuclear-powered heavy missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov is nearing the end of full-scale trials following an extensive modernization program. The ship is expected to return to service in 2026.
Speaking on the Military Acceptance program, Moiseyev said the Navy intends to complete the current phase of work this year, while comprehensive testing remains underway.
He also confirmed that the Russian fleet includes a carrier for the nuclear-powered Poseidon unmanned underwater vehicle. Moiseyev described the program as strategically important and noted that it had previously been discussed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Admiral Nakhimov has been undergoing modernization since 2013. The cruiser has been almost completely re-equipped with new strike systems and air defense weapons, while its nuclear power plant supplies energy to all onboard systems.
The ship’s main strike capability now consists of ten universal 3S14 launchers, each holding eight missiles. They can carry Kalibr cruise missiles, supersonic Oniks anti-ship missiles or hypersonic Tsirkon missiles.
With a total load of up to 80 strike missiles, Admiral Nakhimov ranks among the most heavily armed surface warships in the world.