Russia's carrier aviation program is facing a crisis. The country's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, has been undergoing a prolonged and troubled repair process, marked by accidents including fires and dock damage.
Ongoing Issues
According to Tech the ongoing issues have left the carrier fleet largely non-operational, as the crucial training facility, the NITKA complex in Crimea, has been compromised due to conflict with Ukraine.
The Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's lone aircraft carrier, has not seen active service for years. The carrier's maintenance woes, including significant fires and damage to the dry dock, have raised concerns about whether it will ever return to operational status.
Despite discussions about scrapping the vessel, there remains a push to restore it as a symbol of Russia's naval power, with plans to recommission it by late 2024.
No Landings Since 2021
The carrier's air wing, comprising Su-33 and MiG-29K/KUB aircraft, is in a similarly dire state. Russian naval aviators have not conducted carrier landings since 2021, lacking essential practice due to the NITKA facility's inaccessibility.
This facility was pivotal for simulating carrier operations, but recent Ukrainian attacks have rendered it unsafe, further degrading the readiness of Russia's carrier aviation forces.
Efforts to revive these capabilities include potential projects for vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft, reminiscent of the Soviet-era Yak-141. However, without a functioning carrier and proper training infrastructure, Russia's ability to field a competent carrier-based air force remains in jeopardy.
