Russia set to scrap its last remaining aircraft carrier
Russia's Admiral Kuznetsov Faces Possible Decommissioning
The fate of Russia’s only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, hangs in the balance as discussions intensify over its future. Once a symbol of military might, the vessel has become a source of embarrassment, prompting British officials to label it a “ship of shame.” After years of repairs and a series of mishaps, the Kuznetsov may soon be sent to the scrapyard, as the Russian military grapples with competing demands amid ongoing conflicts.
Repairs Suspended Amid Financial Concerns
The Admiral Kuznetsov has been docked in Murmansk for extensive repairs since its infamous journey past the Kent coast in 2017, where it was seen emitting black smoke. Recent reports indicate that repair work has now been halted, with Russian sources suggesting that military officials are debating whether to invest further funds into the aging carrier or to scrap it altogether. The decision comes at a time when the Russian military is under pressure to allocate resources effectively, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin recently attended a Navy Day event in St. Petersburg, where he emphasized the importance of expanding Russia’s naval capabilities. However, the Kuznetsov was notably absent from the ongoing naval drills, which involve 150 warships and 15,000 personnel across four seas. The carrier, launched in 1985, has a troubled history, including mechanical failures and deadly accidents during repairs. The costs associated with its refurbishment have ballooned to at least 60 billion roubles (£556 million), raising questions about the viability of continuing to invest in the vessel.
As the Russian military faces increasing demands, some analysts argue that the Kuznetsov should be scrapped in favor of building a new aircraft carrier. They contend that modern naval warfare requires air support, particularly for operations far from shore. However, the prospect of decommissioning the Kuznetsov would leave Russia without an operational aircraft carrier, a significant gap for a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Challenges and Future of the Russian Navy
The Russian navy has experienced significant setbacks since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Reports indicate that at least 24 Russian vessels have been damaged or destroyed in the Black Sea, including the Moskva, a missile cruiser that was once a flagship of the fleet. The loss of these vessels has raised concerns about the navy’s operational capabilities and its ability to project power in the region.
Despite the challenges, some military analysts argue that Russia still needs at least one aircraft carrier to maintain a modern navy. They suggest that selling the Kuznetsov for scrap and investing in a new vessel could be a more strategic move. However, such an undertaking would require substantial financial resources, estimated at a minimum of £2 billion.
As the debate over the future of the Admiral Kuznetsov continues, the Russian navy’s position in global maritime power dynamics remains precarious. With international rivals like the United States and China advancing their naval capabilities, the Kremlin faces a critical decision that could shape the future of its maritime strategy.
