What You Need to Know: The Russian Navy’s sole remaining nuclear-powered guided-missile battlecruiser, Pyotr Velikiy, may soon be decommissioned due to escalating maintenance costs and the need for modernization.

-Part of the Kirov-class, these massive vessels were once the pride of the Soviet Navy, designed to counter U.S. carrier groups with powerful anti-ship missiles. Equipped with the formidable Granit missile system and a range of air defense systems, Pyotr Velikiy was a symbol of naval power.

-However, the high expense of keeping the battlecruiser operational in today's geopolitical and economic climate has cast doubt on its future.

The Russian Navy might decommission its sole nuclear-powered guided-missile battlecruiser, the Pyotr Velikiy. According to Tass, this Kirov-class ship costs too much to maintain. The vessel’s poor condition, coupled with the repairs and modernization needed to keep it relevant, mean its demise may be approaching.

The Kirov class was designated by the Soviets as Project 1144 Orlan (Sea Eagle). It includes the largest and heaviest surface combatant warships to sail the seas. Second in size only to larger aircraft........

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