The Story of Admiral Kuznetsov: A Tale of Naval Ambition and Adversity

During the Cold War the Soviet navy, formidable in its own right, relied heavily on the striking power of their heavy cruisers armed with surface-to-surface missiles.

While the U.S. Navy’s strategy revolved around the offensive capabilities of aircraft carriers and their air wings, the Soviet approach was different. They viewed their “heavy aircraft cruisers” as defensive assets designed to protect their submarines and cruisers. Their aircraft carriers lacked catapults and arresting gear, limiting them to helicopters and vertical takeoff and landing jets like the Yak-38. However, the capabilities of American aircraft carriers were not lost on the Soviets. Observing the power and reach of the U.S. Navy during conflicts like Desert Storm, they realized the need for more advanced sea-based air power.

In April 1982, the Soviet Union began constructing a new kind of warship at the Nicolayev Shipyard in Ukraine. Initially named Riga, this vessel would undergo several name changes before becoming the Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov, or Admiral Kuznetsov. Named after Nikolai Kuznetsov, a hero of the Soviet Union who played a crucial role in stymieing the Nazi advance during World War II, the ship represented a significant leap in Soviet naval capability.

Design and Capabilities of Admiral Kuznetsov

By the time Admiral Kuznetsov joined the fleet, it was an advanced and versatile ship. Unlike American carriers with catapults, Kuznetsov utilized a ski-jump ramp for launching its fixed-wing jets. This system, while effective, limited the ship’s sortie generation compared to its American counterparts. American carriers could launch multiple jets simultaneously, while Kuznetsov could manage only one at a time due to the constraints of the ski-jump layout.

Kuznetsov’s air wing included Su-33 fighters capable of a variety of missions, from combat air patrol to close air support. The ship also carried Kamov Ka-27 helicopters for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and transport. In addition to its air wing, Kuznetsov was equipped with 12 P-700 Granit anti-ship cruise missiles, providing a significant offensive capability that American carriers did not possess.

Operational Challenges and Misfortunes

However, Kuznetsov’s operational history has been plagued with issues. The ship is conventionally powered using mazut, a low-quality heavy fuel oil, which has caused significant problems. The use of mazut results in a visible trail of black smoke, a tactical disadvantage and a health hazard for the crew. The poor quality of the fuel and inadequate preheating practices have led to frequent maintenance issues and operational inefficiencies.

The ship’s maiden deployment in 1995 was cut short due to a failure in the water evaporators, forcing it to anchor off Tartus, Syria. Subsequent deployments were similarly marred by mechanical failures and accidents. In one instance, an Su-33 fighter accidentally taxied off the flight deck, and in another, the ship suffered a major fire that caused extensive damage.

In recent years, the situation has only worsened. A series of unfortunate events, including a dry dock sinking and multiple fires, have delayed the ship’s overhaul and modernization efforts. These setbacks have cast doubt on Kuznetsov’s future, with projections for its return to service repeatedly pushed back.

The Broader Context: Russia’s Naval Ambitions and Challenges

Kuznetsov’s troubled history reflects broader issues within the Russian military and industrial complex. The fall of the Soviet Union and the economic struggles that followed have had a lasting impact on Russia’s ability to maintain and modernize its military assets. The Russian Navy, once a symbol of Soviet power, now faces significant challenges in sustaining its operational capabilities.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has further strained Russia’s resources and highlighted the limitations of its military infrastructure. The Ukrainian shipyard that built Kuznetsov also constructed its sister ship, which was sold to China and transformed into the Liaoning. The Chinese have since developed their own carrier capabilities, further emphasizing the stagnation of Russian naval progress. Moreover, the war in Ukraine has resulted in significant naval losses for Russia, including over ten surface warships and submarines, further exacerbating the challenges faced by its naval forces.

Russia’s attempts to develop new aircraft carriers have been fraught with difficulties. The ambitious Project 23000E “Shtorm,” a proposed nuclear-powered supercarrier, faces uncertain prospects due to economic constraints and technological challenges. Similarly, the development of the Project 23900 Ivan Rogov-class amphibious assault ships, which could potentially operate as light aircraft carriers, is hindered by delays and production issues exacerbated by Western sanctions and the ongoing conflict.

The Russian Navy’s modernization efforts have focused on both upgrading existing platforms and introducing new ones. The Kirov-class battlecruisers, such as the Admiral Nakhimov, are undergoing extensive refits to extend their operational lives. However, the construction of new ships, including the Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates and various classes of corvettes, has been slow and hampered by supply chain issues, particularly the reliance on Ukrainian-built engines.

Russia’s naval ambitions are not limited to aircraft carriers. The new maritime doctrine emphasizes control over strategic routes like the Northern Sea Route, critical for future oil and gas extractions. This doctrine underscores Russia’s perception of NATO as a major threat, leading to increased military presence in the Arctic and other strategic regions. However, the feasibility of these ambitions remains questionable given the economic and logistical challenges Russia faces.

Conclusion

The story of Admiral Kuznetsov is a tale of ambition and adversity, reflecting both the aspirations and the struggles of the Russian Navy. Despite its impressive design and capabilities, the ship has been hampered by poor maintenance, inadequate infrastructure, and a series of misfortunes. As Russia continues to face economic and geopolitical challenges, the future of Kuznetsov remains uncertain. Whether it will ever return to sea as a fully operational carrier is a question that underscores the broader uncertainties facing the Russian military today.

Russia’s broader naval ambitions face significant obstacles. The challenges of modernizing and expanding the fleet, coupled with the economic impact of the Ukraine conflict and international sanctions, have put a strain on Russia’s naval capabilities. While projects like the Shtorm supercarrier and Ivan Rogov-class ships highlight Russia’s desire to project power, their successful realization remains doubtful in the current geopolitical climate.