MOSCOW. March 25 (Interfax) - The Admiral Nakhimov heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser will be equipped with standardized launchers and will carry various types of missiles following its upgrading, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov told Interfax.
"Considering the concept of standardized launchers which is being implemented by the Navy, the ship will be able to carry various types of missiles," Manturov said when asked whether the ship will be able to carry new offensive weapons, Kalibr and Tsirkon missiles, after the overhaul.
"On the whole, the cruiser's modernization is on schedule. The Russian Defense Ministry has updated its requirements for the ship and its weapons, and has specified the modernization's budget and deadlines," Manturov said.
Modern Russian ships are armed with the UKSK 3S14 vertical launcher, standardized to fire several types of Kalibr missiles, as well as Oniks, BrahMos, or even Tsirkon missiles, according to some sources.
The Admiral Nakhimov is being repaired at the Sevmash plant. Unified Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) head Alexei Rakhmanov told Interfax earlier that the cruiser's modernization would be complete in approximately 2022.