From 19FortyFive: Russia’s only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, has been a clown show affected by break-downs, deadly accidents, and mishaps. It is currently in dry dock and may not return to action for some time – if at all.

The Kuznetsov, even when things are working, still belches out thick black smoke from its antiquated use of a tarlike substance called mazut for fuel power. The Kuznetsov has been an embarrassment.

With all of these difficulties, maybe Russia does not even need an aircraft carrier.

Focus on the Nuclear Triad Instead

Russia does have an effective nuclear triad. The Navy boasts several capable nuclear-powered “boomer” submarines that can fire nuclear missiles. From Moscow’s point of view, it would be nice to have a carrier that could launch airplanes to deliver nuclear bombs but that is not a showstopper. Russia’s existing nuclear triad is adequate.

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