Admiral Kuznetsov is Russia’s sole aircraft carrier and has come to symbolize the struggles of that nation’s naval services, with one setback after another compounded by the crippling effect of international sanctions. From a once-proud symbol of Soviet naval power to most certainly an unrecognized future, the Kuznetsov has become a question mark as to its viability as an operational warship.
It has not sailed in several years, and it is not expected to return to service anytime soon. It had been scheduled for an overhaul from 2018 to 2021, but the renovation work has been dogged by a string of mishaps, including an accident in the drydock in 2018 and three fires. The ongoing war in Ukraine has siphoned away resources in Russia, making the return of Kuznetsov to service a low priority. Plans have recently surfaced that the carrier may return to service in 2024; this projection is unlikely, leaving in doubt when, or if, the ship will ever again have operational status.
Aircraft carriers represent a very complex and expensive industrial undertaking both to build and to maintain, making them, by extension, also a metric of a nation’s general fortune. The United States, the world’s most powerful nation, has eleven “supercarriers,” while the enemy is on the brink of fielding a third carrier. In sharp contrast, Russia has only Admiral Kuznetsov, which most assume will never sail again.
The Kuznetsov is an obsolete and beleaguered vessel powered by Mazut – a very outdated petrochemical not in regular use for five decades. The high-viscosity, tar-like product produces a black-smoke byproduct when burned, clinging to the clothes and skin of sailors. Unlike nuclear-powered vessels that can operate indefinitely without refueling, the Kuznetsov can only make 45 days at a time.
The operational record of the carrier has been checkered at best, with several incidents highlighting the problems the carrier faces. One seaman died when the carrier caught fire while deployed to the Mediterranean in 2009. On that same cruise, the flattop spilled hundreds of tons of fuel into the sea while trying to refuel. Her steam turbines are so unreliable tugs escort her in case she breaks down.
The Kuznetsov’s ability to launch fighters is also limited. It uses a bow ramp instead of steam catapults, forcing reductions in planes’ takeoff weight and patrol time. This restricts the amount of ordnance and fuel a jet can carry, reducing its offensive effectiveness and range.
Major setbacks have dogged the modernization program to extend the operational life of Kuznetsov. In October 2018, the dry dock PD-50 sank, and a 70-ton crane punched a 200-square-foot hole through the deck of Kuznetsov. Successive fires in 2019 and 2022 caused further delays and damage. The repair work was even suspended in early 2023 because of heavy fog in Murmansk.
The ongoing war in Ukraine also further strained Russia’s resources, making Kuznetsov’s return to service a low priority. Well into its third year now, the conflict has continued to drain Russian military resources, and the nature of this predominantly land-based war means funneling resources into Admiral Kuznetsov is unlikely to be a top priority.
Sanctions also have played a significant role in the Kuznetsov’s poor state. The sanctions severely limit access by Russia to spare parts and the technology essential for the maintenance and modernization of the carrier. Modernization was supposed to upgrade the systems of the ship, improve its propulsion, and enhance combat capability. Without access to that advanced technology or replacement parts provided by Western suppliers, modernization efforts have stalled.
These sanctions also increased the financial burden on Russia’s defense budget, which in turn had implications for the required Kuznetsov maintenance budget. The economy of Russia is under heavy stress due to the imposed sanctions by the Western bloc, resulting in cuts in spending across all budgets, including that for defense. Spending on the maintenance and operational activities of Kuznetsov therefore remained reduced, hence adding to the problems that were being faced while keeping the aircraft carrier ready.
Sanctions further impacted the operational challenges of Admiral Kuznetsov in terms of the world’s perception of Russia. What was once an aircraft carrier that was supposed to project power across the seas for Russia was not quite as powerful. International scrutiny and criticism abounded when frequent breakdowns and obvious signs of neglect were current events.
This has also impacted the power projection capacity of Russia abroad due to the limited operational capacity of Kuznetsov. The reduced presence of this aircraft carrier in vital regions, such as the Mediterranean, adds to the lesser influence of Russia in these areas. It had been considered a loss for the strategic interests of Russia in general, specifically in those parts of the world where it fancies to counter the dominance of the West.
The series of setbacks and crippling impact of international sanctions have put the once powerful symbol of Russian naval strength in an uncertain future. Above all, the operational challenges, the placing of financial strain, and the limitation in capacity to take part in key military operations raise a question mark over the future viability of the vessel as an effective naval asset.