Russia needs to do everything possible to preserve the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov; otherwise, the experience of carrier-based aviation will be lost. This was stated by 1st class test pilot, Hero of the Russian Federation Andrei Shishov.
According to him, the ability of military pilots to land on such ships is invaluable experience. However, once it is lost, it will be very difficult to restore these competencies.
In my view, our country needs to have one aircraft carrier. It is easier to maintain carrier pilots' skills than to revive them later. Right now, experienced carrier pilots are aging, and they have had a long break, while young pilots have not flown yet. It is a pity. We have the means and the capability to sink any ship...
In July 2025, it became known that Admiral Kuznetsov was planned to be put into preservation. The aircraft carrier had been under repair since 2017. According to media estimates, 100 billion rubles were spent on the ship, but there are no official figures.
Former Commander of the Pacific Fleet Sergei Avakyants noted that if the aircraft carrier is put into preservation, a crew of more than 150 people will have to remain on board. The sailors must monitor water ingress and prevent any other problems with Kuznetsov.
Read more materials on the topic:
- Will Admiral Kuznetsov not leave the dock? A problem has arisen with the aircraft carrier's repairs
- TNI: Admiral Kuznetsov ranked fifth in the list of the world's most powerful cruisers
- The era of aircraft carriers is over: the fate of Admiral Kuznetsov has been decided in Russia
