Russian Cruiser Admiral Nakhimov's Nuclear Reactors Fully Activated

The Russian Navy's Kirov-class battlecruiser, Admiral Nakhimov, has achieved a significant milestone in its extensive modernization process with the activation of both its nuclear reactors. The first reactor was successfully brought online in December 2024, followed by the second on February 2, 2025. This development confirms the operational readiness of the ship's nuclear propulsion system, enabling the vessel to operate under its own power and reducing dependence on external energy sources.

The activation of both reactors allows for comprehensive testing of onboard electronics and power systems, ensuring they function correctly with the ship's generators. Additionally, reactor crews can now be trained to manage daily operations, adjusting to varying power demands and reactor outputs.

While the reactors are operational, testing of the propulsion systems is anticipated to occur during the later stages of factory trials, before transitioning to sea trials. The ship is currently docked at the Sevmash shipyard, with sea trials scheduled for the summer of 2025 and state trials planned prior to commissioning in 2026.

The Admiral Nakhimov, launched in 1988, was decommissioned in 1997 and has been undergoing repairs and modernization since 2013. The upgrade aims to enhance the vessel's combat capabilities, including the installation of modern sensors and weapon systems. Notably, the ship's missile capacity has been significantly increased, with the replacement of P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles by 10 vertical launch cells capable of housing up to 80 modern missiles, such as the Oniks, Kalibr, and Zircon. The air defense system has also been upgraded, replacing the S-300F missiles with a naval variant of the S-400 system, accommodating up to 96 anti-air missiles, and adding eight Pantsir air defense systems to replace the six Kashtan close-in weapon systems.

The modernization project has faced multiple delays, extending the vessel's return to active service. Factors contributing to these delays include the prolonged decommissioned state of the ship, challenges in refurbishing and upgrading outdated systems, and external pressures such as international sanctions affecting the availability of modern components. Despite these setbacks, the successful activation of both reactors signifies a pivotal advancement toward the Admiral Nakhimov's reintegration into the Russian Navy.

Upon completion of sea trials and commissioning, the Admiral Nakhimov is poised to become the flagship of the Northern Fleet, serving as one of the most formidable surface combatants in the Russian Navy. Its enhanced offensive and defensive systems are expected to provide a strategic counterbalance to Western naval forces, particularly aircraft carrier task groups. The ship will operate alongside other vessels, including the Slava-class cruiser Marshal Ustinov, Udaloy-class destroyers, and Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates.

The future of its sister ship, Pyotr Veliky, remains uncertain. Given the extensive time and resources required for Admiral Nakhimov's modernization, similar upgrades for Pyotr Veliky may be deemed impractical, potentially leading to its decommissioning. Additionally, the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov has experienced significant setbacks during its refurbishment, casting doubt on its return to service and further elevating the strategic importance of Admiral Nakhimov within the Russian naval fleet.

In summary, the full activation of Admiral Nakhimov's nuclear reactors marks a critical step in revitalizing Russia's naval capabilities. The ship's impending return to active duty is set to bolster the operational strength of the Northern Fleet, reaffirming Russia's commitment to maintaining a robust and modern maritime force.