Admiral Kuznetsov remains useless and stuck in dry dock

Russia's sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, has faced numerous challenges since its commissioning in the 1980s. Originally intended to lead a fleet of carriers during the Soviet era, the Kuznetsov has been largely inactive, primarily due to maintenance issues. Its sister ship, the Varyag, was sold to China, leaving Kuznetsov as the only remaining vessel of its class. Throughout the years, it has experienced a series of unfortunate events, including accidents and fires that have further delayed its re-entry into service. Notably, during its 2016 deployment to Syria, a MiG-29K from the carrier crashed due to faulty systems, highlighting the ongoing operational struggles of the Kuznetsov. Additionally, between 2018 and 2022, the carrier witnessed severe incidents, including a crane accident that resulted in worker fatalities and multiple fire outbreaks, impacting its return to operational status. Despite a declaration that the carrier's reactivation would begin last year, no specific timeline has been established, leading to criticism regarding its overall readiness and utility in Russia's naval strategy. The Russian Navy, while retaining several assets, finds itself under scrutiny, particularly with the recent losses in its Black Sea Fleet. While the Russian Aerospace Forces maintain a relatively intact fleet, the challenges facing the Navy exemplify the stark contrasts in operational experiences of Russia's military branches amidst ongoing conflicts.