American analyst calls Russia’s revived flagship "huge floating target"

The Russian heavy nuclear missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov — expected to become the future flagship of the Russian Navy — is highly vulnerable and could be easily destroyed in modern combat, according to The National Interest (TNI).

In a recent analysis, TNI columnist Peter Suciu described the ship as “a huge floating target” for the US Navy, arguing that despite its extensive modernisation, the cruiser falls short of 21st-century naval warfare standards.

“Another obsolete Russian warship is preparing for a ceremonial return to service,” the publication noted, highlighting that the vessel has already begun sea trials, signalling that it could officially rejoin the fleet as early as next year.

The Admiral Nakhimov, equipped with two nuclear reactors, boasts virtually unlimited operational range and endurance. The primary focus of its modernisation, according to Suciu, was on upgrading its weapons systems. He cites defence analyst Brandon Weichert, who believes the refurbished vessel will essentially serve as a formidable “missile truck” capable of carrying a vast arsenal.

However, despite these upgrades, Suciu argues that the cruiser remains ill-suited for modern warfare, particularly in contested environments where access and manoeuvrability are restricted.

“The missiles that threaten any modern aircraft carrier will just as easily send this cruiser to the bottom of the ocean, and perhaps even more easily, since it hardly meets the requirements of the 21st century,” Suciu wrote.

The analyst further points out that commissioning the Admiral Nakhimov will not significantly boost the combat capabilities of the Russian Navy. Instead, the vessel will simply assume the flagship role currently held by the Peter the Great, which has been moored at Severomorsk since 2022.

“Some may see the return of the Admiral Nakhimov as a symbolic victory,” Suciu concluded. “Others, including, probably, the US Navy, are more inclined to view it as a huge floating target.”

By Tamilla Hasanova