The Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier has a storied history, serving as the flagship of the Russian Navy. Built by the Black Sea Shipyard in Nikolayev, Ukraine, and launched in 1985, it became fully operational in 1995. Its design is unique, classified as a "heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser" or Tyazholyy Avianesushchiy Kreyser (TAVKR), intended to support and defend strategic missile-carrying submarines, surface ships, and naval missile-carrying aircraft.
Key Features
Displacement: The Admiral Kuznetsov's designation as an aircraft-carrying cruiser allows it to transit the Turkish Straits, which would be prohibited for aircraft carriers heavier than 15,000 tons under the Montreux Convention.
Aircraft Capacity: Its main fixed-wing aircraft is the multi-role Sukhoi Su-33, capable of air superiority, fleet defense, and air support missions.
Propulsion: Unlike most Western naval ships, the Admiral Kuznetsov uses conventional mazut fuel, often resulting in a visible trail of heavy black smoke.
Cruise Missiles: Equipped with 12 long-range surface-to-surface anti-ship P-700 Granit cruise missiles.
Operational History
The Admiral Kuznetsov has undergone several deployments and modernizations. Notable deployments include:
1995-1996 Mediterranean Deployment: Marking the 300th anniversary of the Russian Navy's establishment.
2007-2008 Mediterranean Deployment: Participated in exercises with 11 other Russian surface ships and 47 aircraft.
2016-2017 Deployment: Supported Syrian military operations, with its air wing including Sukhoi Su-33 fighters and MiG-29KR/KUBR multi-role aircraft.
Current Status
As of October 2024, the Admiral Kuznetsov remains non-operational, undergoing repairs since 2018, with completion projected for 2024 or 2025.
#aircraftcarrier
#russia
#admiralkuznetsov
#navy
#unitesstates
#india
#china
#fighterjet
#warships
