Russia's powerful Admiral Nakhimov warship rejoins navy after 29-year overhaul

After nearly three decades, one of Russia's most formidable warships, the Admiral Nakhimov, is poised to return to active service. The vessel's extensive modernization, reportedly the most complex in the nation's naval history, has fundamentally transformed it into a virtually new fighting platform.

The refitted cruiser boasts a significantly upgraded missile arsenal, featuring 176 vertical launch cells capable of carrying the world's largest array of long-range anti-aircraft and cruise missiles. Its anti-submarine warfare capabilities have also been enhanced with the integration of new "Paket-NK" and "Otvet" missile systems. The ship can now accommodate three Ka-27 helicopters, bolstering its capacity to detect, track, and neutralize submarines at considerable distances.

This enhanced capability is particularly crucial for the Northern Fleet's operational zone, where intense NATO submarine activity is anticipated. The Admiral Nakhimov is now considered Russia's sole warship capable of rivaling leading vessels from the U.S. and Northeast Asian navies. The final sea trials, concluding on June 1, are designed to rigorously test all aspects of the modernized cruiser before its official reintegration into the Russian Navy.