Russia Likely to Scrap Admiral Kuznetsov, Signaling Naval Shift

Russia has halted repair work on the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, a move that could lead to the ship's decommissioning. This decision represents a significant setback for Vladimir Putin's navy, particularly considering the substantial financial investment the Kremlin has made in the vessel. The ship, which is approximately 40 years old, has been a focal point of Russia's naval ambitions.

The Admiral Kuznetsov, the flagship of Russia's Northern Fleet, is the only aircraft carrier in the Russian navy. It has been undergoing extensive repairs since 2018, with plans for a comprehensive refit that included advanced air defense systems, a new power plant, and modern weaponry. Despite the allocation of a considerable budget for the overhaul, the ship remains docked in Murmansk.

Reports from Kremlin sources suggest that the Admiral Kuznetsov may never return to active service. The ship has been criticized as an expensive and inefficient naval asset. The former Pacific Fleet Commander, Admiral Sergei Avakyants, has suggested that the future of naval warfare lies in robotic systems and unmanned aircraft. The Admiral Kuznetsov has a history of accidents and operational challenges since its launch in 1985.

Despite the potential scrapping of the carrier, some Russian officials maintain that the country needs such vessels for defense. Viktor Sobolev, a member of the State Duma Defence Committee, emphasized the importance of aircraft-carrying cruisers for Russia, a maritime power. He noted the decline in the number of such ships since the Soviet era and argued for their continued relevance.