Russia's only aircraft carrier, the "Admiral Kuznetsov," may never return from repairs, according to media reports.

The Russian aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov," which has been under repair for 7 years, may never be repaired and set to sea again. The Su-33 fighter jets that were part of the ship's air group are currently being used by the aggressor country to escort strategic bombers Tu-95MS.

This information comes from RBK-Ukraine, citing Defence Express.

The specialized publication noted that some Russian pilots capable of taking off from the aircraft carrier's deck are already retired, while others are performing "significantly easier flights from land," and they need to undergo retraining to regain their takeoff and landing skills on the deck. This retraining requires one year.

Moreover, the "Admiral Kuznetsov" is the only aircraft carrier that Russia possesses, making this ship of great significance for the propaganda of the aggressor country. "Therefore, the Russians are spending enormous amounts of money on its restoration and prompt commissioning."

Additionally, Defense Express points out that Russia planned to take the "Kuznetsov" out of repair last year, and Kremlin media reported the start of pilot training for these aircraft.

At the same time, the only training facility for such preparation is located near the occupied city of Saky in Crimea. Therefore, the Su-33 jets would need to be there. However, it turned out that these fighter jets are not undergoing training and are still located in northern Russia, escorting the Tu-95MS from the "Olenya" airfield in the Murmansk region.

It is worth adding that, according to media reports, Russia has only about 17 Su-33 units, all of which were previously part of the "Admiral Kuznetsov" air group. By the end of 2023, it was revealed that these aircraft had been retired to land to form a separate mixed air corps for the Northern Fleet.

According to the editorial staff of Defense Express, this particularly hinted at the "real condition" of the aircraft carrier.

The specialized publication concluded that the Russian authorities will "continue to siphon off money" for the repair of the aircraft carrier, and the "Admiral Kuznetsov" will continue to rust in the docks amidst the actual pace of repairs and new issues with the ship that arise. Therefore, the Russian aircraft carrier is "unlikely to ever come out of repair."

What is the situation with the "Admiral Kuznetsov" aircraft carrier

The Russian aircraft carrier "Kuznetsov" has been undergoing scheduled repairs since 2018, following its return from a deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. In 2018, during its launch, an accident occurred when a lifting crane fell onto it.

In 2019, a fire broke out on the "Admiral Kuznetsov," resulting in the deaths of 2 people and injuries to another 14. Additionally, another fire occurred on the Russian aircraft carrier at the end of 2022.

Recall that in July 2023, it became known that the deadlines for the delivery of the aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" in Russia were once again pushed back.

Earlier, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that the Russian aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" is in critical condition.