MOSCOW. June 29 (Interfax) - The United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) is ready to build Lider-class nuclear destroyers, but there have been no such orders from the Russian Defense Ministry as of yet, USC General Director Alexei Rakhmanov said.
"If we receive an order, there's no doubt it will be built, and we even know where," Rakhmanov said during an online press conference held by Interfax.
Rakhmanov said in December 2019 that the corporation was preparing for mass production of Lider-class nuclear destroyers.
"Let us wait for information from the Defense Ministry. Yet again, we are preparing to begin another lengthy series of long-range marine ships," he said.
A source told Interfax in August 2018 that Russia might build a number of Lider-class nuclear destroyers which will carry guided missiles.
"It's quite probable there will be more than just one ship. These are long-range marine ships needed by the fleet. The series may consist of four to six ships. A lot will depend on the implementation of the lead ship project," the source said.
The Russian Navy command announced in summer 2018 that the keel of the first destroyer would not be laid until 2022.
The destroyers are meant to carry Kalibr long-range cruise missiles, Tsirkon hypersonic missiles [which are still being tested], and modern air defense and electronic warfare systems.
The designs for the Lider-class destroyer have already been drawn up, the Severnoye Design Bureau, an affiliate of the USC, said in one of its annual reports.
According to the report, the design process began in April 2015, and technical readiness had reached 100% by the end of 2016.
The destroyer is due to have a displacement of approximately 14,000 tonnes. The nuclear propulsion unit will ensure its unlimited range of operation and a sea endurance of 90 days.
The destroyer will be armed with eight universal launchers, each of which will carry eight Kalibr or Oniks missiles, as well as prospective Tsirkon missiles. The total number of missiles on board will reach 64 (modern Russian frigates carry 16 missiles of the first and second types).
Specialists expect the Lider-class destroyer, which is based on stealth technology, to substantially enhance the Navy's capacity for operating in the distant sea zone.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on February 20 that the Russian Navy would be provided with 21 ships for operations in the distant sea zone by 2027.