Russia Plans to Retire Its Lone Aircraft Carrier
In a significant development for Russia's naval fleet, the country is contemplating the scrapping of its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, following years of delayed repairs and modernization. The vessel, launched in 1985 and once a source of pride for the Russian Navy, has been undergoing overhaul since 2018[1][3][4].
The decision on whether to continue or abandon the project lies with the Russian Navy and the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), with a final decision expected soon[1][3][4]. The carrier's fate hinges on several factors:
* **Recurring setbacks and technical challenges**: Originally slated to return to service by 2022, the deadline has been pushed back to 2025, with the modernization work still incomplete. A major fire in 2019 during welding caused substantial damage to the vessel[1][3]. * **Strategic and financial considerations**: Senior Russian Navy officials have expressed support for decommissioning the ship, arguing that traditional aircraft carriers are becoming obsolete and vulnerable to modern weapons. Former Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Sergei Avakyants even described carriers as "a thing of the past" and suggested focusing future naval power on robotic and unmanned systems instead[1][2][4]. * **Economic pressures**: Funding the costly repair and modernization amid ongoing priorities like the war in Ukraine presents a major obstacle, making scrapping a more likely and pragmatic choice at this time[4].
If the Admiral Kuznetsov is scrapped, Russia would be left without an operational aircraft carrier, a significant shift for a nation that once aspired to a blue-water navy with carrier strike groups[1][4].
Meanwhile, a portion of the 1,500-strong crew of the Admiral Kuznetsov was deployed to a "fregat" battalion and sent to Ukraine last year, with the mechanized unit, consisting of crew members from the vessel, reportedly involved in combat operations in two different regions of Ukraine[2][3][4]. The specific location of the mechanized unit's initial combat was in the Kharkiv region.
This potential scrapping of the Admiral Kuznetsov would mark the possible end of its service life, reflecting doctrinal shifts away from traditional carrier usage[1][2][3][4].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-only-aircraft-carrier-may-be-scrapped-sources-2022-03-03 [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60691004 [3] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/2022/03/03/russias-only-aircraft-carrier-may-be-scrapped-sources-say/ [4] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/03/03/russias-only-aircraft-carrier-may-be-scrapped-sources-say/
- In a shift from traditional military strategies, the Russian government may adopt new policies concerning vocational training within the naval sector, given the possible scrapping of the Admiral Kuznetsov and the focus on robotic and unmanned systems.
- As politics and general-news unfold regarding the potential decommissioning of the Admiral Kuznetsov, community discussions may arise on the implications of such a decision for Russia's naval fleet and its future development.
