Key Points and Summary – The Kirov-class nuclear-powered battlecruisers, the largest and most heavily armed surface combatants of the Cold War, are at the center of a modern debate.
-With the Pyotr Velikiy still operational and the heavily modernized Admiral Nakhimov now undergoing sea trials, this analysis explores their relevance.
-Proponents point to their staggering firepower—the Nakhimov boasts 174 vertical launch missile cells, more than any other warship.
-Critics, however, argue they are obsolete, vulnerable relics from a bygone era and a colossal waste of funds for Russia’s diminished navy, making them easy targets on a modern battlefield. Some would consider them no better than the old battleships of yesteryear.
The Kirov-Class: The Old ‘Battleship’ That Belongs in the History Books?
The Kirov-class battlecruisers were some of the largest and most well-armed naval vessels of the Cold War. Officially designated as “heavy nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser” by the Soviets, these cruisers were designed to challenge the U.S. Navy, prompting the Americans to increase their fleet size permanently.
Today, only one cruiser remains operational, with the second currently undergoing sea trials. However, experts are concerned whether the Kirov-class has any place on the modern battlefield or if it is just another Soviet relic.
Strategic Necessity or Waste of Funds?
The modernization of Admiral Nakhimov (the most recent Kirov-class) is one of the most ambitious naval refits in Russian history. The ship has been outfitted with 174 vertical launch cells, surpassing any other surface combatant in the world.
Of these, 78 cells are dedicated to cruise missiles such as Kalibr, Oniks, and the hypersonic Zircon, while 96 cells are reserved for air defense missiles, including the S-300FM and S-350. The ship also features six Pantsir-M CIWS systems, new radar and fire control systems, and the AK-192M naval gun.
This modernization aims to transform Admiral Nakhimov into a modern flagship capable of leading Russian naval operations, especially in the absence of a functional aircraft carrier.
Although the refit was initially expected to be completed by 2018, delays pushed the timeline back to 2025, and the ship has now resumed sea trials.
However, the question remains whether the Kirov-class is still relevant in today’s naval combat. Developed in the 1980s, the Kirov-class was designed for a naval doctrine that is now obsolete and operates for a navy that is a shadow of its former self. That said, there are a couple of benefits to bringing back the cruiser.
The modernized Kirov-class carries an insane number of armaments and AD systems. This makes it well-equipped for offensive and defensive operations.
However, with only one ship available, the Admiral Nakhimov is extremely limited in its strategic value.
Its large size makes it easy to spot, and in combat, it would likely be taken down by missiles or naval UAVs.
A Brief History of the Kirov-Class
Development of the Kirov-class began in the 60s and 70s. Under the leadership of Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet Navy began to shift away from traditional battleships and instead focused on missile-armed platforms that could challenge NATO’s carrier strike groups.
The goal was to develop a class of ships capable of operating globally, delivering devastating missile strikes, and serving as flagships for task forces. This strategic vision led to the development of Project 1144 Orlan, a class of nuclear-powered cruisers that would incorporate cutting-edge radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems, along with a vast array of offensive and defensive weapons.
In terms of design, the Kirov-class ships are truly massive. With a standard displacement of around 24,300 tons and a full load displacement approaching 28,000 tons, they are comparable in size to World War I-era battleships. Each ship measures approximately 252 meters in length, with a beam of 28.5 meters and a draft of 9.1 meters.
Propulsion is provided by a combined nuclear and steam turbine system (CONAS), which includes two KN-3 atomic reactors and two GT3A-688 steam turbines, producing a total of 140,000 shaft horsepower.
This allows the ships to reach speeds of up to 32 knots and grants them virtually unlimited range at cruising speeds thanks to their nuclear power. The crew complement typically consists of around 710 personnel, and the ships feature a below-deck hangar capable of housing up to three helicopters, thereby enhancing their anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Why the Kirov-Class is Still a Threat
The armament of the Kirov-class is staggering. Their primary offensive weapon is the P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck), a long-range, supersonic anti-ship missile designed to penetrate carrier group defenses. Each ship carries 20 of these missiles.
For air defense, the ships are equipped with the S-300F Fort or Fort-M systems, which are naval versions of the S-300 long-range surface-to-air missile system. These are complemented by the 3K95 Kinzhal (SA-N-9 Gauntlet) and OSA-MA (SA-N-4 Gecko) systems for point defense. In modernized versions, such as Admiral Nakhimov, these systems are being replaced or supplemented with newer technologies, including the Pantsir-M close-in weapon system and potentially derivatives of the S-400.
In addition to missile systems, the Kirov-class ships are armed with a variety of guns and close-in weapon systems (CIWS). The AK-130 dual-purpose 130mm naval gun serves as the main artillery piece, while the AK-630 30mm CIWS and CADS-N-1 Kortik systems provide layered defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.
The modernized Admiral Nakhimov is also expected to feature the AK-192M, a newer naval gun system. For anti-submarine warfare, the ships are equipped with RBU-1000 and Udav-1 rocket launchers, as well as 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching Type 53 torpedoes or RPK-2 Vyuga (SS-N-15) ASW missiles.
Admiral Nakhimov Hits the Waves Again
The sensor and electronic warfare suite of the Kirov-class is equally impressive. These ships feature advanced radar systems such as the Voskhod MR-800 and Fregat MR-710, along with sonar systems like Horse Jaw and Horse Tail.
The Lesorub-44 combat management system integrates these sensors with the ship’s weapons, allowing for coordinated and effective combat operations. Electronic countermeasures and decoy dispensers, such as the PK-2 system, further enhance survivability in contested environments. While they lack the stealth systems of smaller frigates and cruisers, the Kirov-class makes up for this with sheer firepower.
Four Kirov-class ships were completed: Kirov (later renamed Admiral Ushakov), Frunze (Admiral Lazarev), Kalinin (Admiral Nakhimov), and Yuriy Andropov (Pyotr Velikiy). The lead ship, Kirov, was commissioned in 1980 but suffered a reactor accident in 1990 and was laid up, eventually slated for scrapping.
Frunze entered service in 1984 but was decommissioned in 1998 and is currently being dismantled.
Admiral Nakhimov, commissioned in 1988, has undergone extensive modernization since 2014 and is scheduled to return to sea trials in 2025.
Pyotr Velikiy, commissioned in 1998, remains the only operational ship of the class, although it is expected to be retired following the return of Admiral Nakhimov to active service.
A fifth ship, Dzerzhinsky, was planned but canceled before construction began.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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