Russia reactivates cruiser ‘Admiral Nakhimov’ armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles and S-400 air defense system

The Russian news agency “Tass” reported that Russia is preparing the cruiser “Admiral Nakhimov” to undergo tests.

This information emerged some time after it was claimed that the cruiser had several problems including a crack in the reactor.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the cruiser would undergo tests at the end of 2023.

These tests will continue as the ship returns to service with the Russian Navy in 2024, if all goes well and according to plan.

One of the main changes that followed the reforms of the cruiser Admiral Nakhimov is the weapon system.

Currently, one of the cruiser’s main weapons is the P-700 Granit anti-ship missile with a maximum range of 625 km. It will be fitted with at least ten other 3S14s vertical launch systems, presumably version M.

This means that in addition to the P-700 Granit, the Admiral Nakhimov will be equipped with an additional 80 missiles of various modifications and models.

In addition, Admiral Nakhimov will receive an unknown number of Zircon hypersonic missiles.

This information has not been confirmed, but based on the press release from the Russian Ministry of Defense, it is said that several ships of the Russian Navy will receive this missile. So this cruiser is supposed to be one of them.

It was also reported that the ship will receive the Otvet anti-submarine missile, which is capable of disabling enemy submarines at a range of up to 100 km.

As for the ship’s defense from missile attacks or enemy aircraft, the cruiser will likely rely on the S-300F air defense system as well as a naval version of the S-400.