Russia To Build Nuclear Powered And Gas Turbine Versions Of Leader Class Destroyers

Russia has plans to build nuclear powered and gas turbine versions of Leader class destroyer; a high-ranking source from the Russian Defense Ministry was cited as saying by Tass Today.

“The technical design specification prepared by the Navy command has been signed by the Defense Ministry leadership that approved the engineering design for two versions of the destroyer — nuclear-powered and gas turbine. There are no specifics regarding the weapons, but the new ship will be most likely equipped with high precision cruise missile system and S-500 anti-aircraft defense system,” the source was quoted as saying.

According to him, the Russian Navy is expected to place orders for 12 Leader class destroyers, 6 each for Northern Fleet and Pacific Fleet. The work is expected to start by 2015 and Severnoye (Northern) Design Bureau is expected to be given the design preparation assignment.

"In any case, given the complexity, novelty of the project and huge work amount, the first Leader either its nuclear-powered or conventional version is expected to be competed no earlier than 2023-2025,” he said.

According to him, the Leader building project is not included in the state armaments program for the period until 2020, so "the construction will be carried out under the shipbuilding program until 2050."