Russian Aircraft Carrier: Russian Admiral: The Russian Navy Needs a Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier, the Fate of the "Admiral Kuznetsov" is Undetermined
Admiral Popov, former commander of the Russian Northern Fleet (1999 to 2001), told Sputnik News that the Russian Navy needs a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and the fate of the only aircraft carrier, the "Admiral Kuznetsov", still requires extensive professional discussion.
Popov commented on reports that the Russian Defense Ministry apparently intends to abandon repairing the heavy aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" and that the current repair and modernization have been suspended.
Popov said: "I am convinced that the Russian Navy needs a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. At least one for the Pacific Fleet, at least one for the Northern Fleet, perhaps also for the Southern Fleet. It depends on the assessment of threats."
Popov also emphasized that as part of an attack force, these ships would be able to play an effective role in regional conflicts, such as the conflict in Ukraine. However, aircraft carriers are no longer considered for use in world wars.
Popov said: "The world is changing, and in global wars, aircraft carriers and destroyers will become major targets for attacks."
Popov pointed out that decisions regarding the only operational aircraft carrier, the "Admiral Kuznetsov", need to be carefully considered.
Popov noted: "We should not forget that billions of rubles have already been invested in the maintenance and modernization of the aircraft carrier. Most importantly, if the aircraft carrier is scrapped, we will lose the training base for carrier-based pilots."
According to Popov, if a decision is made at the national level to build a new generation of aircraft carriers in Russia, then the "Admiral Kuznetsov" should not be scrapped. Popov said: "At that time, the 'Admiral Kuznetsov' could serve as a training ship for carrier-based pilots."
The "Admiral Kuznetsov" began its repairs in 2017. In October 2018, an accident occurred when the aircraft carrier was launched. The floating dry dock PD-50, which was carrying the aircraft carrier, suddenly sank, causing the crane to collapse onto the aircraft carrier and damage the deck. The aircraft carrier was then transferred to the 35th Ship Repair Plant in Murmansk for repairs. On December 12, 2020, a fire broke out on board, resulting in two deaths and over ten injuries.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837790639792140/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.