<blockquote><b>Russia is considering scrapping its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, which has been undergoing repairs since 2018</b>, the pro-Kremlin daily Izvestia reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.<br><br><b>Repair and modernization efforts on the vessel have been suspended and a decision regarding the carriers future is expected soon</b>, the paper reported Friday. <br><br>Representatives of the Navy High Command and the United Shipbuilding Corporation, responsible for the repairs, are currently discussing the feasibility of returning the ship to active duty, the source said.<br><br>Sergei Avakyants, a former commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, backed discontinuing the repairs, calling it absolutely the right move. <br><br>The Kuznetsov is from a different era<b>This is a very expensive and ineffective naval weapon</b>. The future lies with robotic systems and unmanned aircraft, Avakyants said. <br><br>Despite Avakyants view, many current naval strategy documents still call for aircraft carrier groups in both the Northern and Pacific Fleets, noted retired rear admiral Mikhail Chekmasov.<br><br><br><b>The main obstacle lies in financing</b>, particularly in light of the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine. Victory there is the immediate priority, after which future shipbuilding plans may become clearer, Chekmasov said.<br><br>Military expert Vasily Dandykin contended that despite advancements in unmanned systems, the need for air support during long-range deployments remains.<br><br>Dandykin noted that countries such as India and China continue to expand their carrier fleets, which suggests that such vessels continue to play a role in naval strategy.<br><br>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.<br><br>Kramnik said the Russian navy requires a floating airfield, making aircraft carriers essential. However, he acknowledged that the Admiral Kuznetsov, launched in 1985 and commissioned in 1991, is now significantly outdated.<br><br>With the experience gained from operating the vessel, Russia can construct a new ship of similar size, Kramnik added.<br><br>The Admiral Kuznetsov is designed to engage major surface targets, provide protection to naval groups against enemy attacks and support amphibious operations. <br><br>It entered its current overhaul after returning from a mission in the Mediterranean, where it conducted airstrikes on Syria. <br><br><b>The initial reconstruction cost was estimated at 20 billion rubles ($257 million)</b>. <br><br>A December <b>2019 fire aboard the ship resulted in two fatalities and 14 injuries, further delaying reconstruction</b>. <br><br>The vessel was originally scheduled to rejoin the fleet in 2022, but that deadline has been repeatedly postponed.</blockquote><br><b>Source:</b><br><a rel=ugc href="https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/11/russia-weighs-scrapping-its-only-aircraft-carrier-after-years-restoration-delays-a89776">https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/11/russia-weighs-scrapping-its-only-aircraft-carrier-after-years-restoration-delays-a89776</a>
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