The Kirov Class: Russia’s Nuclear-Powered Battlecruisers
Introduction
The Kirov class battlecruisers, except for aircraft carriers, are amongst the largest and most powerful surface combatants ever built. These nuclear-powered behemoths, designed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s, challenged US naval dominance, particularly carrier strike groups. The Kirov class, armed with formidable weapons, sensors, and defenses, embodied peak Soviet naval ambition. However, only four were completed, with only one in active service today. The other three undergo extensive modernization, enhancing their capability and lethality. This article, leveraging insights generated partly through AI-assisted tools, examines the Kirov class's history, design, and role. We'll delve into the challenges and controversies these ships faced and how they factor into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and escalating tensions around Taiwan.
History and Design
The Kirov class (Project 1144 Orlan) was conceived in the late 1960s, as a response to the growing threat of the US Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which could launch strikes against the Soviet homeland and its allies from a safe distance. The Soviet Navy lacked a comparable carrier force, and relied mainly on submarines and land-based aviation to counter the US naval power. However, the development of new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems and tactics by the US and NATO made the Soviet submarines more vulnerable, while the land-based aircraft had limited range and payload. Therefore, the Soviet naval leadership decided to create a new type of surface ship, which could operate independently or in groups, and engage multiple targets at long ranges, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and shore installations.
The design of the new ship was based on the earlier Project 1164 Atlant (Slava class) missile cruisers. The Moskva, formerly the lead ship of the 1164 Atlant class, was sunk by Ukrainian forces in April 2022. Yet the Kirov class was intended with a much larger size and displacement, and a nuclear propulsion system. The nuclear reactors gave the Kirov class unlimited range and high speed, as well as enough power for the numerous onboard systems. The ship had a length of 252 meters, a beam of 28.5 meters, and a draft of 9.1 meters. The full displacement was about 28,000 tons, making it one of the heaviest surface warships ever built. The ship had a crew of about 700 officers and sailors.
The main armament of the Kirov class was the P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) supersonic anti-ship cruise missile, which was designed specifically to target large surface vessels, such as aircraft carriers. The Granit had a range of 550-625 km, a speed of Mach 2.5, and a 750 kg high-explosive or nuclear warhead. The missile was also capable of networking and cooperative targeting, meaning that a group of missiles could share data and assign targets among themselves, increasing their effectiveness and survivability. The Kirov class carried 20 Granit missiles in inclined launchers on the upper deck, in front of the bridge.
The secondary armament of the Kirov class consisted of various anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface weapons, which gave the ship a multi-layered defense and a versatile offensive capability. For long-range air defense, the ship was equipped with the S-300F (SA-N-6 Grumble) surface-to-air missile system, with 12 launchers and 96 missiles. The S-300F could intercept aerial targets at ranges up to 150 km and altitudes up to 27 km. For medium-range air defense, the ship had the 3K95 Kinzhal (SA-N-9 Gauntlet) surface-to-air missile system, with eight launchers and 192 missiles. The Kinzhal could engage targets at ranges up to 15 km and altitudes up to 10 km. For close-range air defense, the ship had six AK-630 30 mm rotary cannons, which could fire up to 5,000 rounds per minute at targets within 4 km. The ship also had two RBU-1000 305 mm and two RBU-12000 254 mm rocket launchers for ASW and anti-torpedo defense, as well as ten 533 mm torpedo tubes for attacking surface ships and submarines. The torpedoes could be fitted with conventional or nuclear warheads.
The Kirov class also had two helicopter hangars and a landing pad on the stern, which could accommodate two Ka-25 or Ka-27 helicopters. The helicopters could be used for ASW, search and rescue, transport, or reconnaissance missions. The ship’s sensors included several radars, sonars, and electronic warfare systems, which provided detection, tracking, and jamming capabilities. The ship also had a command and control center, which could coordinate the operations of the ship and its task force.
Role and Impact
The Kirov class was designed to perform several roles in the Soviet naval strategy. One of them was to act as a surface strike group, which could seek and destroy enemy carrier battle groups or other high-value targets. The Kirov class, with its long-range and powerful Granit missiles, posed a serious threat to the US Navy’s carriers, which were the main source of US power projection and intervention. The Kirov class could also launch attacks against enemy shore installations, such as ports, bases, or missile sites, with its conventional or nuclear weapons.
Another role of the Kirov class was to act as a surface escort group, which could protect the Soviet ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) or other important assets from enemy ASW forces. The Kirov class, with its comprehensive ASW and air defense weapons, could create a safe zone for the SSBNs, which were the core of the Soviet nuclear deterrence. The Kirov class could also support the Soviet amphibious or naval infantry operations, by providing fire support, air cover, or transport.
A third role of the Kirov class was to act as a power projection and prestige platform, which could demonstrate the Soviet naval presence and influence in various regions of the world. The Kirov class, with its impressive size and capabilities, was a symbol of the Soviet naval might and technological achievement, which could intimidate or impress potential adversaries or allies. The Kirov class could also participate in various naval exercises, diplomatic visits, or humanitarian missions, to show the Soviet commitment and goodwill.
The Kirov class had a significant impact on the naval balance and dynamics during the Cold War and beyond. The Kirov class was a major challenge and concern for the US Navy, which had to develop new tactics and technologies to counter it. The US Navy increased its investment in ASW and anti-ship weapons, such as the Tomahawk cruise missile, the Harpoon anti-ship missile, the F-14 Tomcat fighter, and the Aegis combat system. The US Navy also deployed more carrier battle groups and surface action groups, to deter or defeat the Soviet surface strike groups. The US Navy also cooperated more closely with its NATO allies, to improve the interoperability and coordination of the allied naval forces.
The Kirov class also had an impact on the naval development and modernization of other countries, especially China and India, which were interested in acquiring or building similar large and powerful surface combatants. China reportedly tried to buy the unfinished Kirov-class hull from Ukraine in the 1990s, but the deal was blocked by the US and Russia. China later developed its own Type 055 destroyer, which is comparable (though a bit smaller) in size and armament to the Kirov class, and plans to build eight of them.
Excursus I:
The Kirov class in the Context of the Ukraine Conflict
The Kirov class could also have some potential benefits for Russia in the context of the Ukraine conflict, which is another source of tension and confrontation between Russia and the US and NATO. The Kirov class could deter or counter US and NATO naval forces that operate in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, which are adjacent to the Ukrainian territory and the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. The Kirov class could also support Russian land and air forces that are involved or deployed in the region, by providing fire support, air defense, and electronic warfare. The Kirov class could also project Russian power and influence in the region, by demonstrating its naval capabilities and presence .
However, the Kirov class could also face some challenges and risks in the context of the Ukraine conflict. The Kirov class would have to operate in relatively confined and congested waters, where it could be vulnerable to mines, torpedoes, and coastal defenses. The Kirov class would also have to contend with the Montreux Convention, which regulates the passage and presence of warships in the Turkish Straits, which connect the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The convention imposes restrictions on the tonnage, duration, and notification of warships from non-Black Sea states, which could limit the access and deployment of the Kirov class. The Kirov class could also escalate the situation and provoke a response from the US and NATO, which could lead to a wider and more dangerous conflict.
Excursus II:
The Kirov class in a speculative Context related to Taiwan
The Kirov class was designed to counter US aircraft carriers and strategic submarines, which are the main threats to Russia’s maritime interests and security. The Kirov class has a formidable arsenal of antiship and antisubmarine missiles, as well as a nuclear propulsion system that gives it a high speed and endurance. The Kirov class could pose a serious challenge to US naval forces in a potential conflict scenario, especially if equipped with the hypersonic Tsirkon missile, which is claimed to have a speed of Mach 9 and a range of 1,000 km.
However, the Kirov class also has some limitations and vulnerabilities that could reduce its effectiveness against the US. The Kirov class is a large and conspicuous target that could be detected and tracked by US satellites, aircraft, and submarines. The Kirov class relies on external sources of targeting data, such as satellites and helicopters, which could be disrupted or destroyed by US countermeasures. The Kirov class has a limited air defense capability, which could expose it to US air and missile attacks. The Kirov class also has a complex and costly maintenance requirement, which could affect its availability and readiness .
The use of the Kirov class against the US in a theoretical escalation around Taiwan would depend on the level of risk and escalation that Russia is willing to take. Taiwan is a sensitive and contentious issue between the US and China, and any involvement of Russia in a potential conflict could have serious consequences for regional and global stability. Russia and China have a strategic partnership, but they are not formal allies and have divergent interests and agendas in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia may not want to antagonize the US and its allies over Taiwan, unless it sees a clear benefit or necessity for doing so .
Challenges and Controversies
The Kirov class, despite its impressive features and performance, also faced and continues to face several challenges and controversies. One of them is the high cost and complexity of the ship, which made it difficult to build, maintain, and operate. The Kirov class required a large amount of resources, manpower, and infrastructure, which strained the Soviet and Russian naval budgets and capacities. The Kirov class also suffered from various technical problems and accidents, which affected its reliability and availability. For example, in 1990, a fire broke out on the Kirov, the lead ship of the class, which killed six crew members and damaged the ship’s electrical systems. The ship was never fully repaired and was decommissioned in 1999.
Another challenge and controversy is the relevance and effectiveness of the ship, which has been questioned and debated by various analysts and critics. Some argue that the Kirov class is too large and vulnerable, and that it could be easily detected and destroyed by modern ASW and anti-ship weapons, such as submarines, stealth aircraft, or hypersonic missiles. Some also argue that the Kirov class is too specialized and inflexible, and that it could not adapt to the changing naval threats and missions, such as asymmetric warfare, littoral operations, or humanitarian assistance. Some also argue that the Kirov class is too dependent on the Granit missile, which is outdated and ineffective, and that it could not match the firepower and versatility of the US Navy’s carrier air wings or Tomahawk cruise missiles.
A third challenge and controversy is the modernization and future of the ship, which has been delayed and uncertain. The Kirov class, which was designed and built in the Cold War era, needs a comprehensive upgrade to meet the current and future naval standards and requirements. The Russian Navy has planned to modernize three of the four ships, namely Admiral Nakhimov, Pyotr Velikiy, and Admiral Lazarev, while the fate of the fourth ship, Admiral Ushakov, remains undecided. The modernization program aims to replace the outdated and unreliable weapons and electronics systems with new and advanced ones, as well as to extend the service life of the ships by another 20-30 years. The modernization program is expected to cost about $2 billion per ship, and to take about 10 years per ship.
The main focus of the modernization program is to equip the ships with new hypersonic anti-ship missiles, namely the 3M22 Tsirkon (Zircon), which are expected to be a game-changer in naval warfare. The Tsirkon missiles have a range of about 1,000 km, a speed of Mach 9, and a maneuverable warhead that can evade enemy defenses. The Tsirkon missiles are designed to penetrate the layered air defense systems of the US Navy’s carrier strike groups, and to inflict devastating damage on the carriers and their escorts. The Tsirkon missiles are also capable of striking land targets, such as command centers, missile sites, or infrastructure. The Kirov class will carry 80 Tsirkon missiles in vertical launchers, replacing the old Granit missiles.
The other major upgrade is to install new cruise missiles and anti-submarine missiles, namely the Kalibr (SS-N-27 Sizzler) and the Otvet (Answer), respectively. The Kalibr missiles have a range of up to 2,500 km, and can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. The Kalibr missiles can be used to attack surface ships, submarines, or land targets, with high accuracy and stealth. The Kalibr missiles have been successfully used by the Russian Navy in Syria and other conflicts, demonstrating their effectiveness and versatility. The Otvet missiles are a new development, and are designed to counter the threat of the US and NATO submarines, especially the Virginia class and the Seawolf class. The Otvet missiles have a range of up to 50 km, and can carry a 300 kg high-explosive or nuclear warhead. The Otvet missiles can be launched from the torpedo tubes or the vertical launchers of the Kirov class. The Kirov class will carry 40 Kalibr missiles and 40 Otvet missiles in vertical launchers, replacing the old Vulkan missiles.
The air defense systems of the Kirov class will also be improved with new long-range and short-range surface-to-air missiles, namely the S-400 Triumf (SA-21 Growler) and the Pantsir-M (SA-22 Greyhound), respectively. The S-400 system is the most advanced and capable air defense system in the world, and can intercept aerial targets at ranges up to 400 km and altitudes up to 30 km. The S-400 system can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously, using four types of missiles, depending on the target’s characteristics and distance. The S-400 system can counter a wide range of threats, such as stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, or drones. The Pantsir-M system is a naval version of the land-based Pantsir-S1 system, and is designed to provide close-in protection against low-flying and high-precision targets, such as anti-ship missiles, helicopters, or small boats. The Pantsir-M system combines a radar, an electro-optical sensor, two 30 mm automatic cannons, and 12 short-range missiles, which can engage targets at ranges up to 20 km and altitudes up to 15 km. The Kirov class will carry 12 S-400 launchers and 96 missiles, and 6 Pantsir-M modules and 72 missiles, replacing the old S-300F and Kinzhal systems.
The sensors and communications systems of the Kirov class will also be upgraded with new radars, sonars, and electronic warfare systems, which will enhance the situational awareness and survivability of the ships. The new radars will include the Fregat-MAE-4 (Top Plate) 3D air search radar, the Podberezovik (Front Dome) fire control radar, the Monument-A (Band Stand) surface search and target acquisition radar, and the Poliment-Redut (Flap Lid) fire control radar. The new sonars will include the Zarya-M (Bull Horn) hull-mounted sonar, the Vinyetka (Horse Tail) towed array sonar, and the MGK-345 Bronza (Ox Yoke) bow-mounted sonar. The new electronic warfare systems will include the TK-25E (Bell Shroud) jamming system, the 5P-42 Filin (Eagle Owl) optical countermeasure system, and the PK-10 (Smokescreen) decoy launching system.
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The modernization and reactivation of the Kirov class is expected to make them more relevant and effective for the 21st century naval warfare, and to enable them to support the Russian Navy’s strategic and operational objectives, such as deterring and countering the US and NATO naval forces, protecting and projecting Russia’s power and influence in various regions of the world, and defending and securing Russia’s nuclear deterrence and strategic assets. However, the modernization and reactivation of the Kirov class also faces several challenges and uncertainties, such as technical difficulties, budget constraints, political interference, and international pressure. The modernization and reactivation of the Kirov class is a complex and costly project, which requires a lot of time and resources, and which may encounter various problems and delays. The modernization and reactivation of the Kirov class is also a controversial and provocative project, which may provoke negative reactions and responses from the US and other countries, and which may escalate the naval tensions and conflicts in the world.
Excursus III:
What costs would be involved? How is the relation of Cost vs Benefit vs Risk?
The exact costs of the Kirov class upgrade are not publicly available, but some estimates suggest that they could range from $1 billion to $2 billion per ship . This is a significant amount of money, especially for the Russian Navy, which has a limited budget and many competing priorities. The cost of the upgrade could also increase due to technical difficulties, delays, and inflation .
The benefits of the Kirov class upgrade are mainly related to its enhanced capabilities and performance, which could give Russia an edge in a potential naval conflict with the US and NATO. The Kirov class could also serve as a symbol of Russian naval power and prestige, and a deterrent to potential adversaries. The Kirov class could also support Russia’s strategic interests and objectives in various regions, such as the Arctic, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific .
The risks of the Kirov class upgrade are mainly related to its feasibility and realism, which could be affected by various factors, such as the availability of funds, the technical challenges, the political will, and the strategic rationale. The Kirov class upgrade could also entail opportunity costs, as the resources spent on the upgrade could be used for other purposes, such as building new ships, submarines, and aircraft. The Kirov class upgrade could also increase the likelihood and intensity of a naval conflict, as the US and NATO could perceive it as a threat and respond accordingly .
The cost vs benefit vs risk analysis of the Kirov class upgrade is not a simple or straightforward one, as it involves many uncertainties and trade-offs. The ultimate value and utility of the Kirov class upgrade will depend on how Russia uses it, and how the US and NATO react to it. The Kirov class upgrade could be a worthwhile investment for Russia, if it can achieve its objectives and avoid escalation. The Kirov class upgrade could also be a waste of money and a source of trouble for Russia, if it fails to deliver its expected results and provokes a confrontation .
Excursus IV:
Comparison with the USS Iowa Class Battleships
The Kirov class and the USS Iowa class battleships are often compared and contrasted, as they are the largest and most powerful surface warships of the Cold War era. The Iowa class battleships were built in the 1940s, and were designed to be fast fleet battleships, capable of engaging enemy battleships and providing naval gunfire support. The Iowa class battleships were armed with nine 16-inch guns, which could fire shells weighing up to 2,700 pounds at a range of 23 miles. The ships also carried a secondary battery of twenty 5-inch guns, and a variety of anti-aircraft guns and missiles. The ships had a speed of 33 knots and a displacement of 45,000 tons. The Iowa class battleships were reactivated in the 1980s, with some modernization and upgrades. The ships received new weapons, such as the Harpoon anti-ship missiles, the Tomahawk cruise missiles, and the Phalanx close-in weapon system. The ships also received new electronics, such as the AN/SPS-49 air search radar, the AN/SPQ-9 surface search radar, and the AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare system. The Iowa class battleships were used for various missions, such as escorting carrier battle groups, conducting naval gunfire support, and showing the flag. The ships were decommissioned again in the early 1990s, and are now preserved as museum ships in various locations.
The Kirov class was built in the 1970s and 1980s, and was designed to be nuclear-powered guided-missile battlecruisers, capable of engaging enemy carrier battle groups and protecting Soviet nuclear bastions. The Kirov class was armed with twenty P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles, which could fly at supersonic speeds and had a range of 300 miles. The ships also carried a mix of surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine missiles, torpedoes, rocket launchers, and guns. The ships had a speed of 32 knots and a displacement of 28,000 tons. The Kirov class was commissioned between 1980 and 1998, and served in the Soviet and Russian navies. The ships participated in several exercises and operations, such as the 1984 voyage to the Mediterranean Sea, the 1986 visit to Cuba, the 1988 visit to Vietnam, and the 1991 visit to the United States. The ships also escorted Soviet and Russian aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, and showed the flag in various regions of the world. The ships were gradually decommissioned or put into reserve after the collapse of the Soviet Union, due to high maintenance and operational costs, technical malfunctions, accidents, and obsolescence. The Russian Navy has plans to modernize and reactivate the Kirov class, as part of its naval modernization program. The first ship to undergo modernization is Admiral Nakhimov, which is expected to enter sea trials in 2023 and return to service in 2024. The second ship to be modernized is Pyotr Velikiy, which will start its overhaul in 2024 and rejoin the fleet in 2027. The fate of the other two ships, Admiral Ushakov and Admiral Lazarev, is uncertain, as they are in very bad shape and may be too costly to repair.
The comparison between the Kirov class and the Iowa class battleships is not straightforward, as they have different design philosophies, roles, and capabilities. The Iowa class battleships were built to fight in the era of conventional naval warfare, where the main threats were enemy battleships and shore batteries. The Kirov class battlecruisers were built to fight in the era of nuclear and missile warfare, where the main threats were enemy aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. The Iowa class battleships relied on their massive guns and armor to deliver and withstand damage, while the Kirov class battlecruisers relied on their powerful missiles and speed to strike and evade. The Iowa class battleships were more versatile and flexible, as they could perform various missions, such as naval gunfire support, anti-aircraft defense, and amphibious assault. The Kirov class battlecruisers were more specialized and focused, as they were designed to counter and destroy enemy carrier battle groups and nuclear bastions. The Iowa class battleships were more cost-effective and reliable, as they used conventional propulsion and weapons systems, which were cheaper and easier to maintain and operate. The Kirov class battlecruisers were more expensive and complex, as they used nuclear propulsion and advanced weapons systems, which were costly and difficult to maintain and operate.
However, the comparison between the Kirov class and the Iowa class battleships is also not irrelevant, as they represent the different approaches and perspectives of the Soviet and American naval strategies and doctrines. The Iowa class battleships reflected the U.S. Navy’s emphasis on sea control and power projection, as well as its tradition of building and operating large and powerful surface warships. The Kirov class battlecruisers reflected the Soviet Navy’s emphasis on sea denial and area defense, as well as its innovation and experimentation with new and unconventional technologies and concepts. The Iowa class battleships and the Kirov class battlecruisers were both products of their time and context, and both had their strengths and weaknesses. They were also both influenced and challenged by each other, as they represented the naval rivalry and competition between the two superpowers during the Cold War.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kirov class battlecruisers represent a significant chapter in the history of naval engineering and design, embodying the aspirations and advancements of Soviet and Russian naval power. Their enduring presence on the global stage underscores their undeniable influence on naval strategies and their continued ability to project a formidable force. However, the Kirov class is not without its complexities. Their operational costs and technical considerations necessitate ongoing evaluation and modernization efforts, prompting discussions about their long-term viability and strategic relevance in the face of evolving threats and geopolitical landscapes.
Text: Microsoft Bing Copilot with ChatGPT4
References
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