Is there a possibility that Russia will send the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier to China for repairs?

The Russian aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" is essentially a "chronic patient" at sea, with constant problems. This aircraft carrier has been under repair for a full eight years, but troubles keep coming one after another, and accidents occur frequently. The originally planned maintenance funds have also been repeatedly reduced. Recently, it was even reported that it may face the bad news of retirement.

"Izvestia" stated that the current maintenance and upgrade work on this aircraft carrier has stopped, and part of the crew on board has been transferred to form a naval infantry battalion. This is clearly evident, as the aircraft carrier will definitely not be able to go out to sea in the near future. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense seems not yet ready to completely abandon this "big shot" that represents the country's maritime image.

After all, the country has regulations that require the Northern Fleet and the Pacific Fleet to each have an aircraft carrier. But the problem is: the Russian shipbuilding industry has long since declined, and repairing an aircraft carrier is like building with Lego blocks, often falling apart. Faced with this "hot potato," will Russia dare to ask China for help and send the "Kuznetsov" to a Chinese shipyard for a complete overhaul? This sounds like a "wild idea," but it's not baseless.

Chinese shipyards not only have solid technical capabilities, but also better cost control than Russia. The successful operation of the Liaoning and Shandong carriers proves China's strength in aircraft carrier refitting and construction. More importantly, China currently has the J-15 carrier-based aircraft, as well as advanced subsystems such as propulsion systems and sensors, which are far superior to what the "Kuznetsov" currently has. If China helps to repair this old aircraft carrier, theoretically, it can be completely renewed, and its performance can be comparable to our "Liaoning," and it might even be cheaper than if Russia does it themselves.

From a technical standpoint, China is fully capable of taking over the refitting of the "Kuznetsov" aircraft carrier. Our country's shipbuilding industry is very strong, and the maintenance of complex vessels like aircraft carriers is no problem at all. Moreover, we can provide modernization upgrades. For example, we can install a more reliable propulsion system, advanced radar and electronic equipment, and even offer technical assistance for upgrading the carrier's aircraft. Currently, the MiG-29K and Su-33 carrier-based aircraft on the "Kuznetsov" are already outdated. If Russia can refer to China's current J-15B carrier-based aircraft, or even the future J-35, Russia's carrier aviation combat capability could potentially be revitalized and significantly improved.

Moreover, China has a team of experienced engineers and a mature supply chain system. If Russia entrusts the maintenance work to China, it can solve their long-standing problem of low domestic maintenance efficiency.

Strategically, this cooperation is attractive to both China and Russia. For Russia, sending the aircraft carrier to China for repairs not only saves the "Kuznetsov" but also preserves the expertise of the Russian navy's carrier aviation, preventing it from becoming a "carrier-less country." For China, taking on this project not only brings a considerable contract fee but also indirectly exerts pressure on Western navies by helping Russia enhance its maritime forces in the Pacific and Arctic. Imagine, in the future, if the "Kuznetsov" conducts joint exercises with Chinese aircraft carrier groups in the Arctic or Pacific, it would not only enhance the value of Sino-Russian military cooperation but also make the West "lose sleep."

However, although this sounds ideal, the reality is not so simple. First of all, there is the issue of money. Russia's defense budget is already tight, and repairing the "Kuznetsov" has already cost a lot. Spending more money on Chinese shipyards would certainly cause the finance minister under Putin to lose a lot of hair. In addition, there is the issue of face. Russia is a major military power, and sending its own aircraft carrier to China for repairs would directly admit that its aircraft carrier technology is inferior to others, which would be a blow to the pride of the Kremlin. Moreover, there is a strong nationalist sentiment within Russia, and people might say that this is a sign of "submitting to China and giving up."

Geopolitically, the reaction from Western countries is also a big problem. The United States and NATO would certainly not be pleased to see deep cooperation between China and Russia in the field of aircraft carriers, and they may try to create trouble for both sides through sanctions or diplomatic pressure.

In summary, the possibility of sending the "Kuznetsov" to China for repairs exists, but it is about a 50-50 chance. However, economic, face, and geopolitical constraints make this plan seem like a "dreamy but realistic" solution. If Russia is willing to put aside its superpower attitude and pay for the "rebirth" of the "Kuznetsov," and if China is willing to take the risk of facing Western pressure, this deal might become a reality. Otherwise, the "Kuznetsov" may truly follow in the footsteps of the "Moscow" cruiser, quietly retire, and leave behind a mess for the Russian navy's "aircraft carrier dream."



Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538672502088778250/

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