The only Russian aircraft carrier is unlikely to ever return from repairs – Defence Express.

The aircraft carrier 'Admiral Kuznetsov' of Russia has been under repair for more than seven years and, it seems, will not be restored in the near future. This is reported by Defence Express.

It is noted that due to slow progress of the works and new difficulties that arise, the aircraft carrier will likely remain under repair.

Currently, deck aircraft Su-33 are used to support Russia's Tu-95MS strategic bombers.

Experts emphasize the importance of the 'Admiral Kuznetsov' for Russia, as it is the only aircraft carrier in their fleet. Therefore, the Russian authorities are spending considerable amounts of money on its restoration and quick return to operation.

However, another problem has arisen. Some pilots capable of taking off from the aircraft carrier's deck have already retired, and those who remain need additional training as they have been conducting lighter flights from land.

'Considering the plans to bring the 'Admiral Kuznetsov' out of repair last year, the pilots and their aircraft must be ready for landing on the aircraft carrier. The training ground for this is located in occupied Crimea, near the city of Saki. However, it turns out that the aircraft (Su-33) are still not undergoing training and are located in the north, escorting Tu-95MS from the 'Olenya' airfield,' reports Defence Express.

History of the aircraft carrier

Let us remind you that in 2016, the 'Admiral Kuznetsov' participated in a military operation in Syria, during which Russian fighter jets carried out more than 400 combat sorties. However, two aircraft crashed: one Su-33 fell off the deck while landing on the aircraft carrier, and another MiG-29 crashed during landing.

In December 2022, the aircraft carrier again became a victim of a fire. The causes of the fire are still unknown, as well as the level of damage, but this is not the first case of a fire on the ship. The aircraft carrier has already caught fire several times, including in December 2019.