Why Does Russia Only Have Two Aircraft Carriers?
Russia, as the last remaining land force superpower, has a significantly different approach to naval power compared to maritime powers like the United States. Understanding the reasons behind Russia's limited number of aircraft carriers requires a deep dive into the historical context and current geopolitical landscape.
Historical Context and Incomplete Legacy
The Soviet Union was once a major player in the global naval arena, aiming to build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier comparable to the US Nimitz-class carriers. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s halted the construction of this carrier, leaving behind an incomplete hull in Ukraine. After the dissolution, Ukraine had no interest in maintaining or selling the incomplete hull, leading to its scrapping. This decision was due to the hull being too early in its construction phase to be marketable, and the geopolitical challenges of re-selling a nuclear-powered vessel.
Current Naval Strategy and Needs
Today, Russia is a land superpower with a limited focus on maritime expansion. The majority of its military goals and investments are directed towards land-based forces. In 2015, Russia saw the need for a small number of troops in Syria to support its coastal bases, but expeditionary forces are not a central component of Russia's current operational strategy.
The primary aircraft carrier currently in Russia's fleet is the Admiral Kuznetsov, a ski-jump STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) type. The carrier has faced numerous operational challenges and requires constant support from tugs. Its condition has led to extended periods of inactivity, often languishing in permanent dry dock for maintenance.
Past and Future of Russian Aircraft Carriers
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia inherited several aircraft carriers from the Soviet era. The Kiev-class carriers, classified as "heavy aircraft cruisers," were among the few carriers Russia ever possessed. However, with the end of the Cold War, the strategic relevance of these carriers diminished. Russia decided to decommission or sell them as they became increasingly expensive to maintain and their utility became questionable.
Other smaller carriers, such as the Baku-class and Moskva-class "ASW cruisers," were also decommissioned or sold. These vessels could not justify their high operational costs, especially in the Black Sea, where Russian air forces could easily cover the same operational areas without the need for these costly and cumbersome carriers.
Current and Future Naval Capabilities
Today, Russia lacks the industrial might and economic resources to maintain a large fleet of aircraft carriers. Its current focus lies in enhancing its land-based military capabilities and ensuring rapid deployment of forces to strategic regions. Russia today is neither the industrial powerhouse of the Soviet Union nor the superpower it aspired to be during the Cold War.
The future of Russian naval strategy remains uncertain. While acquiring advanced weapons systems and submarines is a priority, the cost and complexity of a carrier fleet argue against a significant investment. Russia's naval strategy will likely continue to be dominated by land-based forces, with a focus on modernizing and enhancing its existing fleet of smaller vessels and submarines.
In conclusion, the limited number of Russian aircraft carriers can be attributed to historical, economic, and geopolitical factors. As Russia remains a land-based superpower, its naval strategy will continue to emphasize cost-effective solutions and a focus on land-based military capabilities.