Russia is considering ditching its only carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, which has actually been going through repairs since 2018, the pro-Kremlin daily Izvestia reported, pointing out a source knowledgeable about the matter.Repair and modernization efforts on the vessel have been suspended and a decision concerning the carriers future is expected quickly, the paper reported Friday.Representatives of the Navy High Command and the United Shipbuilding Corporation, responsible for the repair work, are presently talking about the feasibility of returning the ship to active duty, the source said.Sergei Avakyants, a previous commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, backed terminating the repair work, calling it definitely the best move.The Kuznetsov is from a different eraThis is a really pricey and ineffective marine weapon.
The future lies with robotic systems and unmanned airplane, Avakyants said.Despite Avakyants view, lots of present marine method documents still call for aircraft carrier groups in both the Northern and Pacific Fleets, noted retired rear admiral Mikhail Chekmasov.The main barrier depends on financing, especially in light of the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine.
Success there is the immediate concern, after which future shipbuilding plans might become clearer, Chekmasov said.Military specialist Vasily Dandykin contended that despite advancements in unmanned systems, the need for air assistance during long-range deployments remains.Dandykin kept in mind that countries such as India and China continue to broaden their carrier fleets, which suggests that such vessels continue to contribute in naval strategy.Ilya Kramnik, a researcher from the Center for Strategic Planning Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of World Economy and International Relations, holds a similar perspective.Kramnik said the Russian navy requires a floating airfield, making warship necessary.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the Admiral Kuznetsov, launched in 1985 and commissioned in 1991, is now substantially outdated.With the experience got from operating the vessel, Russia can build a brand-new ship of similar size, Kramnik added.The Admiral Kuznetsov is created to engage major surface targets, provide protection to naval groups versus opponent attacks and assistance amphibious operations.It entered its existing overhaul after returning from an objective in the Mediterranean, where it carried out airstrikes on Syria.The preliminary restoration expense was approximated at 20 billion rubles ($257 million).
A December 2019 fire aboard the ship led to 2 fatalities and 14 injuries, even more postponing reconstruction.The vessel was initially scheduled to rejoin the fleet in 2022, however that due date has been repeatedly delayed.