The only domestic aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov" of project 1143.5 has become a kind of hole for the Navy, which will be more than covered by the modernized heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser "Admiral Nakhimov" of project 1144.2M "Orlan". This was stated by retired Colonel Viktor Baranets.
Given that our only aircraft-carrying cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" went for repairs several years ago (and it is still unknown when it will return to service), such an addition will more than compensate for the "hole" in the combat formations of the Russian Navy.
According to him, there were loud disputes around "Nakhimov" earlier. Some experts doubted the advisability of updating the cruiser, believing that its age made such investments unjustified.
Supporters of modernization insisted that "Admiral Nakhimov" has a reliable basis for serious technological renewal.
In July 2025, the "Admiral Kuznetsov" was planned to be mothballed. According to various estimates, about 100 billion rubles were spent on the ship. According to the latest information, the aircraft carrier is stuck motionless in Murmansk.