Nuclear cruisers to face upgrade

07.05.2010 Russian competent authorities decided to rebuild decommissioned Kirov-class heavy nuclear-powered missile cruisers.

Vladimir Popovkin, Deputy Minister of Defense mentioned on air Ekho Moskvy radio in Sept 2009 about necessity of surface fleet's modernization and, in particular, about recovery programs for nuclear cruisers.

The decision on this matter has already been made: heavy nuclear-powered missile cruisers Admiral Ushakov (Northern Fleet) and Admiral Nakhimov (Pacific Fleet) will remain in operational force of Russian Navy after appropriate modernization, reported Interfax referring to a source in United Shipbuilding Corporation. At present, both ships are in Severodvinsk.

According to the source, it is planned to appropriate 500-600 mln RUR for this project in the current year. Previously, it was supposed to complete overhaul and modernization of Admiral Nakhimov at Sevmash shipyard in 2011, although it is apparent now that the terms of completion will be postponed, writes Belomorkanal. As of today, upgrade of the Northern Fleet's cruiser has not been bankrolled so far.