Russia Nears Decision to Scrap Only Aircraft Carrier Admiral Kuznetsov

Russia is considering scrapping its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, after years of costly and troubled repairs that have left the Cold War-era vessel inoperable since 2017. The Russian Navy and the United Shipbuilding Corporation are debating whether to restore the carrier, which would require over $250 million, an expense deemed impractical amid ongoing military priorities, including the war in Ukraine. Former Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Sergei Avakyants described the ship as outdated and vulnerable to modern weapons, asserting that classic aircraft carriers are becoming obsolete and that future naval warfare will rely more on unmanned and robotic systems. Despite some Russian military experts arguing for the continued value of aircraft carriers for air support during long-range missions, financial constraints and the ship’s extensive damage—including fires, a crane collapse, and a sunken dry dock—have cast serious doubt on the viability of restoring the Kuznetsov. The potential scrapping of the Admiral Kuznetsov would mark the end of Russia’s blue-water carrier ambitions and signal a strategic shift toward smaller amphibious assault ships. This decision reflects broader challenges facing Russia’s naval capabilities and priorities under President Vladimir Putin’s administration.