Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov of Project 1143.5, has been undergoing modernization for years, but its carrier-based aviation continues to exist. The size of the highly specialized fleet was calculated by foreign analysts, reported "Tekhnosfera Rossiya".

After the ship's last voyage in 2017, the aircraft are based at land airfields. The naval aviation still includes 22 carrier-based MiG-29K/KR/KUBR. Another five Su-25UTG are used as training aircraft.

The fate of 17 Su-33s is less certain. Foreign estimates suggest that when the Kuznetsov returns to service, few combat-ready aircraft may remain, or the aircraft may be decommissioned altogether.

At the same time, naval aviation is significantly broader than the carrier-based group. Analysts count about 20 MiG-31BMs, at least 24 Su-30SM/Su-30SM2s, and 27 Su-24Ms. The fleet also retains 7 Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft, about 22 Tu-142s, and 22–25 Il-38s, intended for anti-submarine warfare.

Naval aviation also includes several Be-12ChS amphibians and, according to foreign data, 1 or 2 Be-200s.

Captain 1st Rank Vasily Dandykin, in an interview with "Pervyy Tekhnicheskiy", warned that Russia risks losing its carrier-based aviation if it does not return its aircraft carriers to service. He noted that such a school is formed over decades and requires not only aircraft and ships, but also constant practice.

This problem was also highlighted by former Pacific Fleet Commander Sergey Avakyants. He urged to recall the Soviet experience in developing this branch of service.