The ability of the Russian Federation to build a “storm” questioned
US military experts analyzed and criticized Russian aircraft carrier projects. In addition, they noticed the shortcomings of the only Russian heavy aircraft cruiser, Admiral Kuznetsov. The publication appeared in the National Interest.
Photo: Ministry of Defense RF
The Russian Navy has only one heavy aircraft cruiser, Admiral Kuznetsov, while the US Navy has 13. In addition, China has three aircraft carriers, two each Indian, Italian and British navies, as well as one aircraft carrier & mdash; from France and Thailand. & nbsp;
During the Soviet era, when the TAVKR “ Admiral Kuznetsov 'was built & # 39; & # 39 ;, the USSR Navy had other ships of this series. For example, Moscow, Leningrad and “ Kiev & # 39; & # 39 ;. After the collapse of the USSR, some were sold to other states, such as & nbsp; India and China, others were disassembled into pins and needles.
Remains in the ranks of “Admiral Kuznetsov” has a displacement of about 60 thousand tons, can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (55 km/h). National interest & nbsp; was & nbsp; forced & nbsp; admit that the Russian aircraft cruiser has heavier missile armament than Western aircraft carriers.
Yet & nbsp; US edition draws attention to numerous damages to “ Admiral Kuznetsov & # 39; & # 39; and the loss of aircraft-based aircraft during combat missions: “ Admiral Kuznetsov largely participated in the ceremonies, and the first participation of this aircraft carrier in hostilities took place in Syria in 2016, & ndash; notes the release. & ndash; After the sending of Kuznetsov, which was widely reported in the media, the aircraft carrier aircraft carried out two months of combat missions to the Mediterranean. This operation was organized to increase the prestige of the Russian fleet, because the real effect of Kuznetsov virtually none. In addition, the aircraft carrier lost two aircraft (MiG-29K and Su-33) and Kuznetsov himself is still under repair.
At the same time, the publication “ forgot & # 39; & # 39; to mention that, in general, Admiral Kuznetsov's aircraft carrier on board during this voyage; flew 420 combat flights and hit 1250 terrorist targets.
The National Interest & nbsp; he writes that the aircraft cruiser serves as a political tool rather than a military one: “ Russia has a unique position. It has four navies on four banks and all four are unable to provide any support to each other. In the Soviet period, nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles were next to aircraft carriers … Now the Russian Navy uses Admiral Kuznetsov. just to increase their prestige and influence. Together with the atomic heavy cruiser Peter the Great, Kuznetsov is a visible manifestation of Russia's naval power, forcing other nations to take Russian interests into account. “
The US publication believes that Russia will not be able to build more aircraft carriers than it currently has: “ The Russian Navy is more concerned with strengthening its global authority than building something really important. Earlier, President Dmitry Medvedev (former President of the Russian Federation, 2008-2012) said that Russia could build 6 aircraft carriers by 2025; obviously no one can think of fulfilling this promise now. Yet & nbsp; still have a plan to build a “ project 23000 & # 39; & # 39; called “ Storm & # 39; & # 39 ;, which is a heavy aircraft cruiser with a displacement of 100,000 tons using the latest military technology. However, Russia's ability to build this ship in the current situation in the world is debatable. The aircraft carrier is designed to carry 28 aircraft (MiG-29K, MiG-29KUB and Su-33), as well as 24 helicopters (anti-submarine Ka-27, attack landing Ka-29 and Ka-52K). In addition, Admiral Kuznetsov armed with long-range anti-aircraft missiles P-700 “ Granit & # 39; & # 39 ;, anti-aircraft missile systems “ Dagger & # 39; & # 39; and “ Dagger & # 39; & # 39 ;, rocket launcher RBU-12000.
The ship is currently undergoing repairs and upgrades. He plans to return to the Navy at the end of 2023.