Latest news with #Kuznetsov
Forbes
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
A Syria Deployment Exposed Russian Aircraft Carrier's Chronic Troubles
The Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov passes through the English channel on October 21, ... More 2016 near Dover, England. (Photo by) Russia has admitted that the fate of its sole aircraft carrier, the troubled Admiral Kuznetsov, is most likely either the scrapyard or an unlikely sale to another country. The move is hardly surprising in light of the ship's 2016 deployment to Syria's Mediterranean coast, an attempt to flex Russia's military muscles that ended up exposing the vessel's myriad problems. 'We believe there is no point in repairing it anymore. It is over 40 years old, and it is extremely expensive … I think the issue will be resolved in such a way that it will either be sold or disposed of,' Andrei Kostin, the chairman of Russia's state shipbuilding corporation, told Russia's Kommersant newspaper in July. While Kostin clarified that no final decision has been made, it has been clear for a decade now that the Admiral Kuznetsov is more trouble than it's worth. In 2016, it failed to even serve as a symbol of Russian power projection when Moscow dispatched it to Syria. In late October 2016, the carrier was photographed emitting its characteristic and ominous-looking black smoke as it steamed through the English Channel en route to the Eastern Mediterranean. The voyage came one year after Russia intervened in the civil war in Syria, where Russian warplanes based on the Syrian coast bombed cities in support of Syria's embattled dictator, Bashar al-Assad. As the Kuznetsov set off for Syria, media reports noted that if the 15 fighters on its deck joined its counterparts flying from Hmeimim Airbase in Syria's Latakia, it would mark the carrier's first-ever combat role. However, even before the carrier appeared off the Syrian coast, it was readily apparent that the few fighters it could carry mostly lacked ground attack capabilities. Unlike American carriers, the Kuznetsov launches fighters with a ski-jump on the bow rather than a catapult. Consequently, its Su-33 fighters take off with limited fuel and payloads and were only configured for air-to-air combat, making them ill-equipped to join in the horrific bombing of Syria's second city, Aleppo, at the time. The Kuznetsov also carried a smaller number of more advanced MiG-29KR carrier fighters of the kind Russia developed for the Indian Navy, which, incidentally, lost several in a spate of accidents. Unlike the Su-33, the MiG-29KR can conduct bombing attacks, but the Kuznetsov carried so few that they would make little discernible difference over Syria. Things quickly went wrong. A MiG-29KR crashed attempting to land on Kuznetsov on Nov. 14 before it even made it to Syria. Then, after it arrived off the war-torn country's coast, one of its Su-33 crashed into the sea in another landing accident on Dec. 5. Of course, accidents happen. The USS Harry S. Truman lost three of its F/A-18 Super Hornets in separate incidents earlier this year during the U.S. air campaign against the Houthis in Yemen. However, the Kuznetsov carries a fraction of the aircraft that the U.S. carriers like the Truman do, and significantly less advanced fighters at that. Consequently, the loss of the MiG-29KR and Su-33 marked approximately 13 percent of its fighter wing. Worse, satellite images revealed shortly after that the majority of the Kuznetsov's fighters had landed at Hmeimim rather than demonstrating their ability to conduct operations from the carrier off the coast—proof of concept for an aircraft carrier rather than an aircraft transport. With no less than four MiG-29KRs and Su-33s left on her deck, the Kuznetsov briefly operated with fewer combat aircraft than a typical U.S. Navy Wasp-class landing helicopter dock, which carries F-35Bs or AV-8B Harrier jump jets. The Russian carrier headed home in January 2017. Needless to say, its deployment hardly even succeeded as a symbolic projection of power for Moscow. That was hardly surprising considering that on an earlier Mediterranean deployment in December 2011, the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet tracked the Russian carrier in case its chronic problems caused another accident and potential sinking. The Kuznetsov would spend seven years in a shipyard undergoing overhaul, leading to speculation in 2024 that it may never deploy again, especially given that its MiG-29KRs were reassigned for land-based missions. With Kostin's remark, it seems the Kuznetsov is destined for scrap as it's hard to conceive of any country wanting to buy such a decrepit, accident-prone, and maintenance-heavy warship from a country sanctioned for invading its neighbor. Although one never knows. It's somewhat amusing to recall that in 2021, former Turkish Rear Admiral Cihat Yayci suggested Turkey should obtain the Brazilian Navy's former flagship, the carrier NAe São Paulo. The oldest active aircraft carrier at the time, the Brazilian vessel also suffered chronic mechanical problems and ultimately spent less than a year at sea. Commissioned by France as the Foch in 1963, Brazil acquired it from France in 2000 and eventually concluded it was easier to sell it for scrap than invest millions more in trying to keep it operational. It sold it for scrap to Turkey, prompting Yayci to suggest that Turkey buy it and use it for naval training. (Ultimately, Turkey revoked the vessel's permission to dock after concluding it was packed with asbestos. Brazil later scuttled it in the Atlantic Ocean.) More perversely, speaking almost five years after the Kuznetsov's disastrous Syria deployment, Yayci even suggested that Turkey look into acquiring Su-33s 'as an aircraft alternative that we can use with the ship.' However, Russia only ever built a few dozen Su-33s in the 1990s, meaning any Su-33s Turkey acquired would have been secondhand and probably lack a reliable supply of spare parts. Unsurprisingly, Turkish officials dismissed Yayci's proposal on feasibility grounds as would any country today considering buying the Kuznetsov for anything other than scrap metal, presuming said countries don't have a Yayci-type figure guiding the ship of state.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Could the former Stanley Cup champion Evgeny Kuznetsov find new life with the Bruins, Canucks, or Avalanche?
With the 2025-26 NHL season on the horizon, former Washington Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov is making headlines once again; the 33-year-old center, who spent last season dominating in the KHL with SKA St. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Petersburg (12 goals, 37 points in 39 games). He is looking to return to the NHL; despite a down year in 2023-24 split between the Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes. Kuznetsov's proven playoff pedigree and playmaking instincts. This make him one of the more intriguing free agents still available. Evgeny Kuznetsov | Highlights | #92 Boston Bruins; middle-six magic needed The Boston Bruins have reshaped their roster this offseason, bringing in Viktor Arvidsson, Tanner Jeannot, and center Sean Kuraly. But even with Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha holding down top-six center roles, Boston lacks a true offensive pivot who can boost their power play and complement David Pastrnak's elite scoring. After trading J.T. Miller and losing Pius Suter in free agency, the Vancouver Canucks need help at center. Filip Chytil, acquired in the Miller deal, is coming off an injury-affected season, and the team is still figuring out how to best develop young Aatu Raty. Evgeny Kuznetsov dangles stickless MacLean from Islanders in game 2 (22 apr 2024) Colorado Avalanche; another Cup run boost? The Colorado Avalanche are always in win-now mode. With Charlie Coyle traded and Jack Drury unproven as a full-time third-line center, Colorado could benefit from Kuznetsov's offensive upside. He may not be a defensive stalwart, but the Avs need creativity behind Brock Nelson and Nathan MacKinnon. FAQs Is Evgeny Kuznetsov still an NHL free agent? Yes, as of late July 2025, Kuznetsov remains unsigned and is exploring his options for a return to the NHL. How old is Evgeny Kuznetsov now? He is currently 33 years old. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What kind of contract is Kuznetsov likely to get? Most likely a short-term, low-cost deal or a professional tryout (PTO) given his recent NHL decline and teams' tight cap situations. If Kuznetsov wants redemption in the National Hockey League, this season might be his best shot. Whether it's Boston, Vancouver, or Colorado, one thing's certain, Evgeny Kuznetsov still has unfinished business in the NHL. Also Read:
Newsweek
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Russia Faces Losing Its Only Aircraft Carrier
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, is likely to be sold or scrapped, marking the end of a vessel that was once a symbol of Moscow's naval ambition. The fate of the 40-year-old flagship of the Russian Navy had hung in the balance following years of repairs, having been out of service since 2017, and maintenance work suspended. However, Andrei Kostin, the chairman of Russia's state shipbuilding corporation (USC), told the newspaper Kommersant that "there is no point repairing it anymore." Yörük Işık, head of the Bosphorus Observer consultancy in Istanbul, told Newsweek on Monday that such a move meant "a loss of prestige" for Russia's Navy. Newsweek reached out to USC and the Russian Defense Ministry for comment. Why It Matters The Admiral Kuznetsov was launched in 1985, and while it had seen action in Moscow's military campaign in Syria, it has been out of service for eight years. Years of maintenance delays and increasing costs have raised questions about its technical effectiveness in modern warfare. But its scrapping will be seen as a sign of a diminishing Russian naval capability, especially as Ukrainian drones have chased most of its Black Sea Fleet away from its main base in Crimea. What To Know Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov tied up at a Rosatomflot moorage of the Russian northern port city of Murmansk on May 19, 2018. Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov tied up at a Rosatomflot moorage of the Russian northern port city of Murmansk on May 19, newspaper Izvestia reported earlier in July that the refit of the vessel had been suspended, and Kostin was asked about its fate on the sidelines of a flag-raising ceremony for a new nuclear submarine in northwestern Russia. Kostin confirmed the reports, telling Kommersant that there was no point in repairing it and that it will either be sold or disposed of, although no final decision had been taken. The 1000-foot-long Admiral Kuznetsov was the last heavy aircraft carrier built in the Soviet Union and was designed to combine aviation capabilities with strike capabilities. After the Soviet Union collapsed, the ship was transferred to Russia's Northern Fleet and was used in Russia's intervention in the Syrian civil war. It displaced 59,000 tons, had a range of 8,400 nautical miles and could carry a crew of 2,600 and hold 26 fixed-wing aircraft and 24 helicopters. But the carrier has faced technical problems, and The National Interest included it in a list of the world's worst aircraft carriers. A refit was scheduled to be completed by 2022 at the Zvyozdochka shipyard in the Barents Sea port city of Murmansk, but the project has been beset by problems and spiraling costs. In 2018, the floating dry dock where the ship was being repaired sank. The following year, a fire during welding work killed two people, and another fire broke out in 2022. The estimated cost of repairs has ballooned from 20 billion rubles ($256.4 million) in 2017 to 60 billion rubles ($769.2 million) the following year, and the timeline has been revised from 2022 to 2024, with no plans for its return yet. Işık, from the Bosphorus Observer, told Newsweek that, given it had been out of service for years, the exit of the vessel did not change much strategically but dealt a significant psychological blow to Russia's status as a naval power. Ukraine's "ingenious and out-of-the-box thinking" in striking Russia's Black Sea vessels has shown how naval war is changing, he said. "To extend power in far corners of the world, you need such vessels and Russia giving up the only such vessel it has like this means a loss of prestige," he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg with Andrei Kostin, chairman of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, on January 26, 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg with Andrei Kostin, chairman of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, on January 26, 2024. Getty Images Russia's Navy vs. U.S. Navy Russia's Navy is ranked the world's number three, according to Military Watch Magazine and lags behind the U.S., which is number one. The loss of the Admiral Kuznetzov would mean that Russia would have no aircraft carriers. However, under Russian classification, the vessel is designated a heavy aircraft cruiser, which allows it to transit the Turkish Straits. The U.S. has 11 supercarriers to Russia's zero, which can deploy over 70 combat aircraft from multiple runways with catapult-assisted takeoffs. There are also 92 American cruisers/destroyers to Russia's 13, while the U.S. has more than twice as many frigates (21 to 10) as Russia. The countries' submarines are relatively close in number, with the U.S. having 53 attack submarines to Russia's 28, while there are 14 American ballistic missile submarines to Russia's 11. What People Are Saying Chairman of Russia's state shipbuilding corporation (USC) Andrei Kostin told Kommersant: "There is no point in repairing (the Admiral Kuznetsov) anymore. It is over 40-years old, and it is extremely expensive." Yörük Işık, head of the Bosphorus Observer consultancy in Istanbul, told Newsweek that the loss of the vessel "in psychological terms is huge." Former Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Sergey Avakyants told Izvestia that aircraft carriers like the Admiral Kuznetsov: "Are a thing of the past — massive and costly structures that can be destroyed within minutes by modern weapons." What Happens Next Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled plans for military spending cuts starting next year. It is unclear whether the fate of the Admiral Kuznetsov will be part of these considerations, but Kostin's comments suggest a final decision has not yet been made.
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Ship of shame': Why Russia's only aircraft carrier may soon be scrapped
Launched in 1985 during the final years of the Soviet Union, Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, may soon be sold or scrapped, possibly ending one of the last surviving symbols of Soviet naval power. A photo taken from a Norwegian surveillance aircraft shows Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in international waters off the coast of Northern Norway.(REUTERS File) Nearly four decades after it was built, the ageing warship now sits idle in the Murmansk area, undergoing a long-delayed modernisation. Andrei Kostin, chairman of Russia's state shipbuilding corporation, told the Kommersant newspaper in comments published on Friday that a final decision had not yet been made, but that the aircraft carrier's future looked uncertain. 'We believe there is no point in repairing it anymore. It is over 40-years old, and it is extremely expensive ... I think the issue will be resolved in such a way that it will either be sold or disposed of,' Kostin was quoted as saying. His remarks followed a report earlier this month in the Izvestia newspaper, which cited unnamed sources as saying that work on the long-running refit and maintenance of the Admiral Kuznetsov had been suspended. Symbol of Soviet naval power Built at a time when the Soviet Union was trying to project naval power on par with the West, the Admiral Kuznetsov carried enormous symbolic value. However, after the Soviet collapse, it remained in service with the Russian Navy, eventually seeing action in the Syrian civil war, where its fighter jets launched airstrikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Russian naval experts and veterans remain divided over what should happen next. Some told Izvestia that the ship is outdated and no longer fits into modern military needs, while others argued that the country still needs an aircraft carrier like the Kuznetsov or a replacement to retain its blue-water naval presence. In 2017, while returning from its deployment in the Mediterranean, the Admiral Kuznetsov passed near the British coast, billowing thick black smoke. At the time, then-UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon called it the 'ship of shame,' a label that stuck with the troubled vessel. With Reuters inputs
Straits Times
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Russia's lone aircraft carrier likely to be scrapped or sold, says shipbuilding chief
FILE PHOTO: A photo taken from a Norwegian surveillance aircraft shows Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in international waters off the coast of Northern Norway on October 17, 2016. Handout via Reuters/File Photo MOSCOW - Russia's only aircraft carrier, the 40-year-old Admiral Kuznetsov, is likely to be sold or scrapped, the chairman of Russia's state shipbuilding corporation told the Kommersant newspaper in comments published on Friday. Andrei Kostin's remarks follow a report in the daily Izvestia newspaper earlier this month, which cited unnamed sources as saying long-running refit and maintenance work on the warship had been suspended. Launched in 1985 when the Soviet Union still existed, the Admiral Kuznetsov saw action in Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of then-President Bashar al-Assad, with its planes carrying out airstrikes against rebel forces. But it has played no role in the war in Ukraine and has been out of service since 2017, undergoing modernisation in the Murmansk area close to where Russia's Northern Fleet is based. Efforts to overhaul it have suffered repeated accidents and setbacks. Asked about its fate on Thursday on the sidelines of a flag-raising ceremony for a new nuclear submarine in northwestern Russia, Kostin made it clear that a final decision had not yet been taken, but suggested that the Admiral Kuznetsov was no longer worth spending money on. "We believe there is no point in repairing it anymore. It is over 40-years old, and it is extremely expensive ... I think the issue will be resolved in such a way that it will either be sold or disposed of," Kostin was quoted as saying by Kommersant. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Singapore S'pore could have nuclear energy 'within a few years', if it decides on it: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Life 'Do you kill children?': Even before independence, S'pore has always loved its over-the-top campaigns Singapore Lung damage, poor brain development, addiction: What vaping does to the body Singapore Fine for couple whose catering companies owed $432,000 in salaries to 103 employees Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly Detailed information about the combat readiness of individual warships is regarded as sensitive by Moscow and the Russian Defence Ministry does not comment on such matters. Russian naval veterans and experts are divided on the prospect of the warship being scrapped, with some telling Izvestia it is obsolete, and others saying it or a successor would provide a capability that Russia needs. The aircraft carrier gained notoriety in Britain when then-Secretary of Defence Michael Fallon dubbed it the "ship of shame" in 2017 when it passed close to the English coast on its way back from the Mediterranean belching black smoke. REUTERS
