Nuclear-powered icebreakers demonstrate continuing Russian experience with large hulls and nuclear propulsion. Amphibious construction provides another large-ship example, with two ships described as under construction and one having launched in the previous year. Proposed additional ships still require scrutiny because announcements do not establish that construction is under way. Lider has passed through design bureaux and is described as apparently under the care of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. These examples indicate that Russia retains the relevant technologies and experience with complex builds. A general inability to construct large nuclear-powered surface ships therefore fails to explain the missing destroyer programme.
Notable Point · 24:52-27:16
Large surface ships remain within Russia's technical reach
Nuclear icebreakers demonstrate nuclear-propulsion expertise, while amphibious projects add evidence that large-hull construction remains within Russia's reach.