Group : Cruisers
Status : Active
Also Known As : Kirov, Orlan, Ushakov
Origin : Russia
Contractors : Severnoye Design Bureau, Sevmash
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1980
Total Production : 4

The Project 1144.2 Orlan, also known as Kirov, class nuclear-powered ships were built to provide long range anti-ship capability to the Soviet Navy as well as anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities. It integrates advanced air defenses and weapon systems produced in the former Soviet Union. A flight deck and hangar at the stern of the ship makes possible three Ka-27 anti-submarine warfare helicopters to operate from this cruiser.

The Granit long range anti-ship missile provides anti-ship capability. The Rif, S-300F, air defense system with 96 (8x12) missiles provides long range engagement capability against airborne and surface threats. The Osa-MA, Klinok and Kasthan missile systems and eight 30mm AK-630 guns provide short range defense against airborne threats. Two 130mm two-barrel AK-130 guns have been also provided to Project 1144.2 ships as well as other armament. The Udav-1 torpedo defense multiple launch rocket system is intended to counter torpedoe, submarines and other threats.

The Project 1144.2 class lead ship entered service with the Soviet Navy in 1980. Four ships were produced through 1998 and only two remain in service.

Group : Cruisers
Status : Under Development
Also Known As : Admiral Nakhimov, Kirov-M, Project 11443
Origin : Russia
Contractor : Sevmash
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2026
Total Production : ?

The upgraded Kirov, Project 11442M, is a Russian Navy program intended to put back to service three decommissioned Project 1144.2 nuclear-powered missile cruisers built in the 1980s. The modernization program will focus on overhauling the ship's hull and nuclear powerplant as well as providing significant modernization to the electronics and weaponry. The aim of the program is to extend the service life of these huge missile cruisers until 2030-2040. In September 2011, the Admiral Nakimov, was already undergoing the overhaul work and expected to re-enter full operational service with the Russian Navy by 2015. This date was delayed in June 20013 with the upgraded Admiral Nakimov rejoining the fleet in 2018 with the most advanced weapon system for a ship of her class.The Russian Navy claims that three ships will undergo this modernization program but a fourth ship could be upgraded as well.

The upgraded Kirov will feature an advanced multi-module missile systems capable of firing a variety of missiles and torpedoes with each cruiser carrying about 300 missiles. Besides, they will be equipped with the Yakhont long-range, supersonic anti-ship missile. The air defense capabilities will receive a major upgrade replacing the obsolete S-300F by a new system derived from the state-of-the-art S-400 air defense system (S-400F?) along with a new point air defense system. The projected S-400F will also provide increased ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities. The refitted Kirov will serve as aircraft carrier strike group and submarine hunters as well as support massive land assaults. The upgraded cruisers will be fitted with 10 3S-14 vertical launching systems each capable of carrying eight missiles such as Kalibr, Yakhont and/or Zircon totalling 80 missiles per ship.