The head of Sevmash, Mikhail Budnichenko, announced that the nuclear-powered heavy missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov is slated for sea trials in May 2024, signaling a key milestone for Russia’s surface fleet. This update came as Budnichenko spoke during the broader International Military-Technical Forum, known as Army-2023, where industry partners and defense officials gather to discuss timelines and capabilities. The news underscores ongoing efforts to restore and modernize Russia’s most capable surface combatants amid a persistent cycle of testing and refurbishment across shipyards and fleets.
Previous reporting indicated that both the Admiral Kuznetsov and Admiral Nakhimov were being prepared for return to operational status within 2024. The return of these carriers would mark a significant step for the Russian Navy, highlighting sustained investment in large-capacity ships designed for sustained blue-water operations and power projection. The timeline reflects a broader strategy to align maintenance, modernization, and training cycles so that major capital ships can rejoin naval patrols and exercises in the near term.
In a related development dating back to 2019, a decision from the Murmansk Garrison Military Court highlighted the challenges faced during maintenance on Russia’s only remaining aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov. The ship experienced damage during dock repairs at the Zvyozdochka shipyard, with welding work cited as a contributing factor. The incident underscored the complexities of maintaining high-value platforms during extended repair campaigns, and it has influenced subsequent planning around shipyard scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management for future overhauls.
Meanwhile, a newer class has begun to enter service discussions as Russia expands its fleet with the project 22800 Cyclone, a line of smaller missile ships designed to complement larger cruisers and destroyers. These vessels represent a different capability set focused on fast deployment, littoral seas operations, and rapid response tasks. Shipbuilding authorities indicated that the Cyclone program marked a notable milestone by successfully advancing through the full construction cycle, including comprehensive testing aboard and in dock conditions, before entering service. The shift toward this class reflects a balancing act between sustaining legacy platforms and introducing newer, modular ships to address evolving maritime security needs.
From the defense ministry’s perspective, these developments illustrate a concerted effort to integrate new designs with existing fleets, ensuring that each vessel meets operational requirements through rigorous testing and evaluation. The modernization drive aligns with national defense priorities and strategic deterrence goals, emphasizing continuous capability updates across the naval force. The broader plan involves coordinating shipyard work, testing, crew training, and logistics support so that vessels can effectively participate in training exercises, patrols, and international demonstrations when appropriate. Officials emphasize realism in trials, ensuring that ships perform under realistic sea states, weapon systems checks, and integrated combat readiness scenarios.
At a higher strategic level, discussions about the future of Russia’s maritime forces reflect a long-standing emphasis on maintaining a balanced mix of large, capable ships and more versatile, smaller platforms. The modernization trajectory aims to preserve the Navy’s ability to project power, protect maritime approaches, and participate in collaborative exercises with allied fleets. The ongoing program of repairs, upgrades, and new construction demonstrates a persistent commitment to sustaining a credible blue-water fleet that can operate across multiple theaters and adapt to changing security dynamics over the coming years.