Launched in 1985 during the twilight years of the Soviet Union, Russia’s only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, may soon face disposal or sale, potentially marking the end of one of the last symbols of Soviet naval power.
An Aging Warship
Nearly four decades after its construction, the aging warship currently rests in the Murmansk area, undergoing a long-delayed modernization. Andrei Kostin, chairman of Russia’s state shipbuilding corporation, spoke with the Kommersant newspaper on Friday, revealing that the future of the Admiral Kuznetsov remains uncertain.
“We believe there is no point in repairing it anymore. It is over 40 years old, and it is extremely expensive… I think the issue will be resolved in such a way that it will either be sold or disposed of,” Kostin stated.
Reports of Suspension
These remarks followed a report earlier this month in the Izvestia newspaper, which cited unnamed sources claiming that work on the long-running refit and maintenance of the Admiral Kuznetsov had been suspended.
Historical Significance
Originally constructed at a time when the Soviet Union aimed to project naval power comparable to the West, the Admiral Kuznetsov carried substantial symbolic value. Despite the Soviet collapse, it remained operational in the Russian Navy, even participating in the Syrian civil war with its fighter jets launching airstrikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad.
Opinions on the Future of the Ship
Russian naval experts and veterans have mixed feelings about the vessel’s future. Some have told Izvestia that the ship is outdated and no longer meets modern military requirements, while others argue that maintaining an aircraft carrier like the Kuznetsov—or seeking a replacement—is vital for Russia’s blue-water naval presence.
In 2017, on its return from deployment in the Mediterranean, the Admiral Kuznetsov garnered negative attention when it passed near the British coast, emitting thick black smoke. Then-UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon referred to it as the “ship of shame,” a label that has unfortunately stuck with the troubled vessel.
