Russia May Not Ever Have an Aircraft Carrier Again … Does it Need One?

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

As many wonder if Russia’s corroded and damaged Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier will ever return to the sea, some are likely to raise the question as to whether Russia truly needs an aircraft carrier? 

Unless Russia wanted to project a global maritime presence as a counterbalance to US global power projection, there are not really too many compelling reasons why Russia would need a carrier.  Part of this is likely because even if Russia did want to compete with the US in terms of global maritime power, it would likely not be in a position to do so anytime in coming decades. 

The sheer size of Russia’s land army, armored vehicles, and fighter jets – though now reduced due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine – is undoubtedly sufficient to present significant threats to Eastern Europe.

And yet, in order to achieve influence and pursue its ambitions beyond the European continent, Russia will need a far more formidable Naval presence.

But does that mean Russia needs an aircraft carrier?

The Russian Navy and the Aircraft Carrier Question

While Russia may not have the ambition to operate as a massive global power with a forward presence across the globe similar to the U.S. Navy, the country does have clear ambitions in the Arctic and Black Sea.

Russia borders the famous and often discussed Northern Sea route providing clear access to the Arctic, and the country has certainly been increasing its Arctic presence and influence in recent years.