Russia may face a problem that cannot be solved by a single repair of the Project 1143.5 aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov". The country risks losing its own school of carrier-based pilots, Captain 1st Rank Vasily Dandykin told "Pervy Tekhnichesky".

According to Dandykin, Russia needs to consider China's experience in the further development of its aircraft carrier fleet, even though domestic carrier-based aviation has a much longer history.

Dandykin clarified that such a school is formed over decades and requires not only aircraft and ships, but also constant practice. A long break can break continuity – it is possible to train a new pilot, but it is more difficult to quickly restore the lost training system, instructors, and accumulated experience.

This problem was also highlighted by the former commander of the Pacific Fleet, Sergey Avakyants. He called for recalling the Soviet experience in the development of this branch of service.

It should be noted that the Russian Navy's naval aviation includes about 17 ship-based Su-33s, 18 MiG-31BM units, 22 MiG-29Ks, about 30 Su-30s of various versions, and 26 Su-24s of all versions.

Patrol and anti-submarine aircraft are represented by 22 Tu-142 units, 22 Il-38s, 6 Be-12s, 1–3 Be-200s, 3 An-12s, and 1 Il-18D. Transport tasks are assigned to two An-12s, 25 An-26s, 6 An-72s, 4 An-140s, 10 Tu-134s, and 2 Tu-154s.

We emphasize that the figures provided are estimates by foreign analysts; official data on the number of combat aircraft are not disclosed.