Russia seeks to "transform" its only aircraft carrier

Admiral Kuznetsov ship docked at port (Photo: Sputnik).

Russian newspaper Izvestia quoted sources in the country's Ministry of Defense as saying that the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov will likely be integrated with a series of air defense systems and weapons during the overhaul.

The Admiral Kuznetsov has been undergoing a major overhaul for over five years. According to Izvestia , Moscow is expected to integrate the latest artillery systems and Pantsir-M air defense systems onto the ship. In addition, a new integrated air defense control system will also be equipped on the Kuznetsov.

The system will automatically identify targets and distribute tasks between air defense systems to shoot down threats. Izvestia stressed that the new weapons will be able to repel major attacks on warships, from attacks by aircraft and helicopters to attacks by anti-ship missiles and drones.

Pantsir-M will replace the old Dirks air defense systems. Pantsir-M, Russia's most modern ship-based air defense system, has eight missiles and two 30mm six-barrel rapid-fire automatic guns. It can hit targets flying at altitudes from 1km to several tens of kilometers.

In addition to air defense systems, Russia plans to equip its aircraft with long-range precision bombs. The bombs that the aircraft carrier is equipped with can accurately hit moving objects, especially armored objects and ground targets. Moreover, guided bombs have the advantage of being affordable and significantly more accurate than guided missiles. They can also carry larger warheads due to the lack of rocket engines and fuel. The Kuznetsov's air group includes two MiG-29 and Su-33 fighters.

Izvestia quoted a source in the Russian Defense Ministry as saying that in preparation for the Kuznetsov's return to service, Moscow plans to replace the ship's crew with about 1,500 people. This number is lower than the size of the Kuznetsov's previous crew, which was about 1,900 people. According to Izvestia , new automated systems and units installed on the Kuznetsov have allowed Russia to reduce the number of personnel needed on board.

The Admiral Kuznetsov is the only aircraft carrier that Russia currently owns. It is currently the largest warship in Russia and is part of the Northern Fleet. The ship can carry 26 planes and 24 helicopters on board.

The ship was built by the Soviet Union in the final decade of the Cold War, and entered service in 1991.

The Kuznetsov has an old design and has had accidents, so Russia decided to overhaul it since 2018 after many rumors that Moscow might scrap the ship because the repair costs were too expensive.

The 43,000-ton, 305-meter-long warship is equipped with an anti-ship missile system. Russian officials said in November 2022 that repairs were on schedule and the ship was expected to be ready for service again in 2024.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/nga-tim-cach-lot-xac-tau-san-bay-duy-nhat-20230426100625317.htm