Inside Russia’s massive nuclear cruiser ‘Peter the Great’: a ship that could circle the globe 50 times without refueling
The flagship of the Russian Navy, Pyotr Veliky or ‘Peter the Great’, is the largest operational warship in the world that isn’t an aircraft carrier.
The Russian Navy boasts one of the most formidable warships in the world: the nuclear-powered cruiser Pyotr Velikiy—known in English as Peter the Great. Officially classified as a “heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser,” this massive vessel is a cornerstone of Russia’s military fleet serving as the nation’s flagship.
Commissioned in 1989, Peter the Great is primarily used for training exercises and Arctic patrol missions in the Barents Sea. Yet, in the event of a major conflict, its unparalleled firepower and advanced capabilities would place it at the forefront of combat operations.
A floating fortress: size, speed, and crew
Ranked as the second-largest warship in Russia’s navy, trailing only the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, Peter the Great is an engineering marvel. At 827 feet (252 meters) in length and 94 feet (28.5 meters) in width, it is the largest operational warship in the world that isn’t an aircraft carrier. The ship requires a dedicated crew of 760 sailors to operate at full capacity.
Its impressive speed—reaching up to 31 knots (over 35 per hour or 57 kilometers per hour)—allows it to cover vast distances swiftly, making it a critical asset in both peacetime operations and wartime scenarios.
Nuclear power meets advanced weaponry
The term “nuclear” in Peter the Great’s name refers not only to its capacity to carry nuclear-armed missiles but also to its propulsion system. Powered by two fast-neutron nuclear reactors that generate a staggering 600 megawatts of energy, the cruiser has a range and endurance unmatched by conventional ships. It’s designed to operate for 50 years without major overhauls, giving it the capability to circle the globe 50 times without refueling—a strategic advantage in modern naval warfare.
Onboard, the ship bristles with cutting-edge technology and weapons systems. Its arsenal includes:
- 20 Granit missile launchers: Capable of delivering nuclear payloads.
- S-300FM anti-missile systems: Its main defense against air attacks.
- Kinzhal and Kortik air-defense missiles: Designed to neutralize airborne threats.
- AK-130 turret artillery system: two automatic 130-mm guns
- RBU-1000 Smerch-3 anti-submarine rocket launcher
- RPK-6M Vodopad anti-submarine missile and torpedo system
- Udav-1M anti-torpedo system
Additionally, Peter the Great has space to house and deploy three multipurpose Ka-27 helicopters, further expanding its operational versatility.
A Symbol of Endurance and Power
Built with longevity and adaptability in mind, Peter the Great is not just a warship—it’s a statement of Russia’s ambitions and military prowess. Its nuclear propulsion system grants it unprecedented independence from fuel stops, making it a critical asset for extended missions in remote regions, such as the Arctic.
Designed to last for five decades, this ship embodies a blend of endurance, firepower, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring it remains a central figure in the Russian Navy for years to come. Whether patrolling icy Arctic waters or standing ready for combat, Peter the Great serves as a powerful reminder of the evolving capabilities of modern naval warfare.
Original article written by Rubén Criado, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.