Russian cruiser "admiral Nakhimov": Stalled at $5 billion repair
The Russian nuclear cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov" has been under repair since 1997, despite five billion dollars having been spent on it, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express.
16 November 2024 10:53
The Russian defence industry has been struggling for years with the repair of the cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov". The ship, which was supposed to be ready for sea trials in November 2024, has still not left the shipyard. Moreover, according to Defense Express, it is still unknown when the tests will take place.
It cost five billion dollars and has been under repair for nearly 30 years
The cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov" project 1144 "Orlan" has been under repair since 1997. Despite enormous financial outlays, amounting to at least five billion dollars, the vessel is not ready for service. Russian media attempt to explain the delays with challenging weather conditions in the White Sea, where the ship's sea trials were to be conducted.
Other explanations suggest that Russia is concentrating on building new units such as missile corvettes and nuclear submarines, which are considered higher priorities than the repair of "Admiral Nakhimov". Defense Express highlights that the situation poses a problem for the Russian Navy, as "it is better not to rush into launching an unprepared nuclear vessel into the sea".
Symbol of Russian problems
The cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov" was supposed to be equipped with 80 missile launchers for "Onyx", "Kalibr", and "Zircon". However, its modernisation is still dragging on. Russia cannot decommission "Peter the Great" until "Admiral Nakhimov" is completed.
Russian media try to justify the delays, pointing to the ice season in the White Sea and the need for thorough preparation of the unit before its deployment. Defense Express points out that the situation with "Admiral Nakhimov" is emblematic of the problems faced by the Russian shipbuilding industry.
Let us recall that the missiles mentioned, which are to be on the ship "Admiral Nakhimov", are a powerful set of armaments. The "Onyx" missiles have a range of 370 miles with a maximum speed reaching nearly 2,000 miles per hour. The "Kalibr" missiles reach 186 miles and accelerate to 620 miles per hour. The "Zircons" have a range of 370 miles and reach a maximum speed of 4,970 miles per hour.
