Russian Navy Retires Nuclear-Powered Heavy Cruiser Pyotr Velikiy (Kirov Class)

A relic of the Soviet era, the Russian Navy inherits the nuclear-powered Project 1144 Orlan (Kirov class) heavy cruisers, which became the symbol of the largest and most powerful Soviet combatant ships. And there is the latest news regarding the existence of the Kirov class, that one of the Kirov classes - Pyotr Velikiy, will be retired from obsolescence. This of course begs the question, is it related to the budget crisis?

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Referring to information from the Russian News Agency Tass (14/7/2023), it was stated that the Russian Navy had decided to retire the nuclear-powered heavy cruiser Pyotr Veliky, after its sister ship, Admiral Nakhimov, successfully completed repairs and returned to service.

The decommissioning of Pyotr Veliky will only begin once Admiral Nakhimov is fully operational. The majority of the Pyotr Veliky's crew has been transferred to Admiral Nakhimov, in anticipation of his upcoming delivery to the Navy. 

While the remaining crew on board the Pyotr Veliky is tasked with ensuring the functional stability of the battle cruiser during this transition phase. Sevmash Shipyard CEO Mikhail Budnichenko said that sea trials for the renovated Admiral Nakhimov could start in December this year or May next year. 

Currently, in the final stages of restoration and modernization, the cruiser repair employs more than 3,000 workers. Mooring tests are also carried out simultaneously, as the ship prepares for crew accommodation.

Admiral Nakhimov has been undergoing renovations at the Sevmash Shipyard since 1999, with work effectively starting in 2013. The cruiser's strike capability has been significantly enhanced through these upgrades.

Admiral Nakhimov will accommodate 10 versatile shipborne launchers, capable of carrying eight Kalibr-NK and/or Oniks cruise missiles. In fact, the cruiser is expected to be equipped with the Tsirkon hypersonic missile.

The pride of the Russian Northern Fleet, Pyotr Veliky recently celebrated 25 years of service. Equipped with a nuclear-powered power plant and cruise missile arsenal, these mighty ships, also known by NATO codename as the Kirov class. Primarily the Kirov class is tasked with engaging large surface targets and providing comprehensive air and anti-submarine warfare defense.

From a technical perspective, the Kirov has a standard displacement of 24,300 tonnes and a full displacement of 28,000 tonnes. The cruiser, built by the Baltic Shipyard in Leningrad, is 252 meters long and 28.5 meters wide. 

Equipped with a nuclear propulsion system powered by a steam turbine, the thrust of the Kirov class reaches 140,000 shp. The Kirov class can reach a top speed of 32 knots. As a heavy cruiser, the Kirov class can accommodate a total of 727 personnel.

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The mainstay of the Kirov class arsenal is 20 units of P-700 Granit missiles, namely long-range supersonic cruise missiles designed to destroy large surface ships, including the opponent's aircraft carrier. This missile has the capability of carrying a nuclear or conventional warhead. Then there are 48 units of SA-N-6 Grumble (S-300F) long-range missiles.