Why Russia Built Its Own Aircraft Carriers and Why It Matters

Introduction

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia has struggled to maintain and modernize its naval fleet. This article explores why Russia decided to build its own aircraft carriers, examining the historical context and the challenges it faces. We will also analyze the significance of these efforts in a global context.

The Historical Context

The Soviet Union was a major player in the naval arms race, and during its heyday, it built some of the largest and most advanced aircraft carriers in the world. Following the Soviet collapse, Russia found itself in a difficult situation. The majority of the shipbuilding infrastructure, including the necessary facilities, was located in Ukraine, which Russia considers a strategic challenge.

The Kuznetsov-Class Carrier: A Failed Legacy

Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetzov, was built in Ukraine in the late 1980s and fully commissioned in 1995. Despite its grandiose origins, the Kuznetzov is now regarded as an obsolete and undermaintained warship. Russia's ability to support and operate this carrier is severely limited due to its reliance on Ukrainian shipyards, which do not prioritize Russian naval maintenance.

Evolution of Russian Carrier Design

Russia has attempted to build a series of aircraft carriers through different classes and designs. Here’s a brief overview of the main classes: Moskva Class: This class was intended to serve as helicopter cruisers but proved to be a failure. Only three hulls were completed. Kiev Class: This class was designed as an STOVL (Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing) fixed-wing capable aviation cruiser. While seaworthy, the propulsion system often failed and required extensive maintenance. Kuznetsov Class: The most recent of these classes, the Kuznetsov STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) hull. The Ul’Yanovsk was started but quickly stopped after the Soviet Union dissolved. The Kuznetzov itself remains the sole representative of this class.

Each class was designed based on the forward sea denial doctrine as envisioned by Admiral Sergei Gorshkov. This doctrine aimed to disrupt sea lines of communication between the US and Europe, and between Japan/Australia and other continental powers. The primary combat role would be handled by the submarine fleet, with the carriers acting as a protective screening force.

The Strategic Significance

Russia's desire to build and maintain aircraft carriers for strategic reasons is significant. These ships represent the nation's ambitions to assert its power on the global stage. However, the capabilities of Russia's current carriers are limited.

Conclusion

Russia's efforts to build and maintain its own aircraft carriers have been hindered by its reliance on Ukrainian shipyards and a legacy of undermaintenance. While the Kuznetsov-class carrier remains a technological relic from the Soviet era, Russia continues to invest in these platforms to assert its naval prowess. This section aims to shed light on why Russia is striving to retain its carrier fleet, regardless of the challenges involved.