In a surprising turn of events, Russia has announced plans to build a super-massive nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, aiming to surpass the capabilities of several American carriers. This announcement comes after a period of speculation and doubt about Russia's naval capabilities, especially following the decommissioning of its last remaining aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, in July 2023.
Decline in Naval Aviation Capabilities
At the beginning of June 2024, Western media widely reported that Russia had effectively ceased to be an aircraft carrier nation. The decommissioning of the Admiral Kuznetsov, launched in 1985, marked a symbolic low for Russia, signaling a reduced naval presence in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This left Russia absent from the list of nations with active aircraft carriers, a list dominated by the United States with 11 carriers, China with three, and India and the United Kingdom each with two. Western observers noted this development with a mix of surprise and satisfaction, interpreting it as another indicator of Russia's waning military prowess.
The Storm 2 Project: A New Hope
As June progressed, reports began to emerge detailing Russia's renewed commitment to its naval forces through the development of a colossal new aircraft carrier under the Storm 2 project. Officially known as Project 23000E, this initiative aims to construct a 100,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, colloquially dubbed "Vladimir Putin's beast."
Historical Context: The Original Storm Project
The Storm project is not entirely new. In 2015-2016, Russian designers conceived this mega aircraft carrier, estimating its cost at approximately $5.5 billion. The design was even offered to India in July 2016, proposing a collaboration where India would finance the project, and Russia would construct the carrier. However, due to the high cost and India's previous mixed experiences with Russian military hardware, the proposal did not materialize.
Revamped Design and Advanced Defense Systems
Russia has now revisited and significantly upgraded the Storm project. The revamped design includes integrating the S-500 missile defence system, which boasts the capability to neutralize fighter jets and missiles within a 500-kilometre radius. This advancement addresses one of the primary vulnerabilities of aircraft carriers: their susceptibility to surprise attacks.
Traditionally, aircraft carriers are accompanied by a fleet of frigates, destroyers, and submarines to provide a protective shield. However, an aircraft carrier equipped with the S-500 system would have a formidable self-defence capability, potentially transforming it into a nearly invulnerable asset.
Accelerated Construction in a War Economy
Despite the typical timeline of 6 to 10 years required to build an aircraft carrier, Russia's current status as a war economy suggests a much-accelerated pace for this project. With a significantly increased defense budget and a strong government focus on military modernization, Russia is expected to expedite the construction process. The nation aims to leverage its full industrial and manpower capabilities, potentially completing the new aircraft carriers in just a few years.
Strategic Implications
This strategic development, if realized, will mark a significant enhancement in Russia's naval power, allowing it to reassert its presence on the global stage and challenge Western naval dominance. The commencement of this project signals Russia's intention not only to regain its status as an aircraft carrier nation but also to expand its fleet with multiple such carriers in the near future.
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