Russia to Retire Admiral Kuznetsov Aircraft Carrier Amid Shift to Unmanned Systems
The Russian Navy will retire its sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, following years of mechanical issues and the 2018 sinking of its drydock. With Russia prioritizing military efforts in Ukraine, this retirement leaves it as the only permanent UN Security Council member without an active carrier. Plans are underway to salvage the PD-50 drydock, with a contract signed for an underwater inspection valued at approximately $2.6 million USD.

The Russian Navy will retire the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier due to ongoing mechanical failures and the loss of its primary drydock, the PD-50, which sank in 2018. The decision aligns with Russia's strategic shift towards unmanned systems as it focuses on the war in Ukraine.
The retirement means Russia will be the only permanent UN Security Council member without an active carrier. Efforts are now directed at salvaging the PD-50, with a contract for an underwater inspection worth 240 million rubles ($2.6 million USD) recently signed. The future of the Kuznetsov remains uncertain, whether it will be scrapped or sold.




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