As of April 2026, the Russian Navy is in a crucial phase of modernization with the launching and testing of new generation warships, most notably the supercruiser Admiral Nakhimov and the Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates.

The nuclear-powered cruiser Admiral Nakhimov (Project 1144.2M): This is the symbol of Russia’s greatest surface power, expected to return to service in 2026 after nearly three decades of modernization.

Weapons: Equipped with more than 170 vertical launch systems (VLS), capable of carrying Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles, Kalibr, and Oniks.

Air defense: Uses Fort-M systems (naval variant of S-300FM) and Pantsir-M complexes for protection against air attacks.
Admiral Gorshkov-class corvette (Project 22350): Russia launched the fifth ship, named Admiral Amelko, in August 2025, with planned delivery in 2026.
Upgrade: Unlike previous ships with only 16 launch tubes, ships from Admiral Amelko onwards are equipped with 32 VLS launch tubes for Zircon and Kalibr missiles.
Khabarovsk nuclear submarine (Project 09851): Expected to begin sea trials in 2026. This is the main carrier of the Poseidon nuclear super torpedo (dubbed the “doomsday weapon”).

Strategy and Practical Challenges
Despite Russia’s display of power through warships carrying Zircon hypersonic missiles with speeds of Mach 9 and a range of 1,000 km, this naval force still faces significant challenges:

The threat from unmanned aerial vehicles (drones): Ukrainian surface drone attacks have inflicted heavy losses on the Black Sea Fleet, making large ships like the Admiral Nakhimov vulnerable in modern warfare by some experts.
Shipbuilding progress: Many large projects such as the Ivan Gren-class landing ships and escort vessels have been delayed for years due to sanctions affecting the supply of engines and electronic components.
Fleet decline: The Black Sea Fleet had lost approximately 33% of its warships by early 2026, forcing Russia to change its strategy, shifting its focus to submarine fleets and smaller but heavily missile-equipped surface units.