Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:37:04-2:37:16

Do Kirov-class ships need ocean-going tugs?

Their nuclear propulsion generally lets Kirov-class ships operate without depending on a tug, though support may still remain nearby.

Kirov Class BattlecruisersNaval LogisticsNuclear-Powered WarshipsOcean Going TugsRussian NavyWarship Reliability
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Question

Do Kirov-class ships need to sail with ocean-going tugs?

Short answer

Not as a routine propulsion requirement, though support may still be kept nearby.

Notes

A viewer asks whether Kirov-class ships need to sail with ocean-going tugs. The ships are nuclear-powered and generally manage without depending on them. The answer adds, with some humour, that a support arrangement is probably still available nearby. Routine propulsion endurance can still be combined with the prudence of keeping fleet-support assets within reach of a large and complex warship.