Overview

• The nuclear-powered cruiser was observed on August 18 leaving Sevmash for the White Sea under its own power, its first voyage since 1997, after both reactors were restarted earlier this year.
• United Shipbuilding Corporation said the development was formally reported to President Vladimir Putin.
• Initial trials focus on navigation and propulsion before progressing to weapons testing, a sequence that could take months.
• Refit plans specify 174 vertical launch cells—about 80 for Kalibr, Oniks and Zircon missiles and 96 for air-defense interceptors—along with a new 130 mm AK-192M gun and updated sensors.
• Analysts note uncertainty over how many planned systems are actually installed, as Russia signals the ship could replace Pyotr Velikiy as fleet flagship.