# Russia Deploys World's Most Heavily Armed Warship After $5B Overhaul Admiral Nakhimov begins sea trials following 27-year modernization process. - **Source:** [SlashGear](https://www.slashgear.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ac2d216d-3747-41af-96b4-f592a0596eac ## 27-Year Refit Process The Admiral Nakhimov cruiser underwent extensive modernization starting in 2014 after being decommissioned in 1997. The $5 billion overhaul included reactor refueling and complete weapons system replacement. This process took longer than building a new aircraft carrier from scratch. ## Technical Specifications The 28,000-ton vessel can reach speeds of 32 knots. Powered by two nuclear reactors generating 140,000 horsepower, the 823-foot-long Nakhimov remains the world's only nuclear-powered surface combatant besides aircraft carriers. ## Weapons Systems The ship's old P-700 Granit missiles were replaced with 80 UKSK vertical launch cells capable of firing various Russian missiles, including hypersonic 3M22 Zircon missiles. It also received advanced radar systems and upgraded air defense missiles. ## Strategic Deployment Nakhimov is expected to become flagship of Russia's Northern Fleet, which protects submarine bases in the Barents Sea. With virtually unlimited range, the ship will strengthen Russia's nuclear deterrent capabilities in this strategically vital region. ## Modern Warfare Challenges Ukraine's drone warfare has exposed vulnerabilities of large warships. Some experts question concentrating so much firepower in a single platform. The US Navy's shift toward drone ships reflects changing naval warfare paradigms. ## Geopolitical Implications Nakhimov's return bolsters Russia's military assertions, though questions remain about traditional warships' effectiveness against modern threats. As Arctic tensions rise, the ship could impact regional power dynamics significantly. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.slashgear.com/2220517/russia-kirov-class-battlecruiser-warship-return-to-sea/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._