The two reactors aboard the Russian nuclear-powered cruiser Admiral Nakhimov are slated for initial activation in November this year, according to a report from TASS citing a source within the shipbuilding sector. The information underscores a significant milestone for the Northern Fleet’s 1144.2 Orlan class and signals a shift toward practical, full-scale testing of the reactor systems under various operating modes.
A confidential briefing from a technical institution explained that the physical commissioning of the Admiral Nakhimov’s reactors, which occurred earlier at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, marks the onset of practical tests. These tests are designed to raise the reactor to a defined power level, after which evaluators can assess the overall operability of the cruiser’s nuclear power plant and the performance of associated systems under real-world conditions.
Former Sevmash chief Mikhail Budnichenko noted that Admiral Nakhimov is expected to undergo an at-sea trial phase in May 2024. This phase will validate sea-going capabilities and provide critical data on propulsion, control systems, and safety procedures while the ship operates in a maritime environment.
Historically, the cruiser was delivered to Sevmash in Severodvinsk for repair and modernization in August 1999. The project aimed to upgrade onboard digital and radio-electronic systems, bringing them up to modern standards. In 2017, officials anticipated that the cruiser would rejoin service by 2020 after the modernization program. The project has endured multiple delays and shifting timelines as work progressed through the years.
Earlier reports from TASS indicated that the repair and modernization effort for this heavy nuclear missile cruiser has surpassed a substantial budget threshold, with costs exceeding 200 billion rubles. The scope of the modernization reflects ambitions to restore combat capability and ensure compatibility with contemporary defense technologies and command-and-control frameworks.
The broader discussion around Admiral Nakhimov’s modernization has intersected with ongoing statements from Russian leadership regarding the future trajectory of the armed forces. Officials have reiterated commitments to upgrading naval power and extending the operational life of legacy platforms through modern digital systems and increased reliability of nuclear propulsion.