Russia has overtaken the United States to become the world’s leading builder of fourth-generation strategic missile submarines, according to military analyst and retired Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin.

The expert said Russia had secured the top position globally in the construction of modern strategic nuclear-powered missile submarines, highlighting the country’s progress in developing its naval forces.

Dandykin paid particular attention to the modernization of the heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov, a project that has lasted more than two decades.

The extensive overhaul equipped the warship with advanced missile systems, including Zircon hypersonic missiles, modern air defense capabilities and the Otvet anti-submarine warfare system. The upgrades also took into account emerging threats from unmanned surface vessels, aerial drones and underwater vehicles.

Dandykin described Admiral Nakhimov as an exceptionally large warship and, in his assessment, the world’s most powerful surface combat platform.

Despite these advances, the retired naval officer identified several persistent challenges facing Russia’s shipbuilding industry and navy.

One major problem is the lengthy construction time required for new warships. Another is the geographical separation of Russia’s four fleets and the Caspian Flotilla, which complicates the rapid redeployment of naval vessels between operational areas.

Dandykin noted that building an Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate typically takes eight to ten years. Three frigates of this class are currently in service, while another two are being prepared to join the fleet.

The analyst also emphasized the need to expand the construction of minesweepers and anti-submarine warfare vessels, including smaller ships capable of countering underwater drones.

At the same time, he argued that the Russian Navy still requires large surface combatants, even if they are built in limited numbers. Such vessels are needed to maintain a Russian naval presence across the world’s oceans and protect submarines as they deploy to combat positions.

Dandykin concluded that the long-term effectiveness of Russia’s naval development depends on maintaining a balance between its submarine fleet and surface warships.