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Decision on upgrading Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier yet to be made.

18 Nov, 2016 8:25 | 2016

Naval Forces News - Russia

Decision on upgrading Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier yet to be made

No decision has been made yet as to when the Russian Navy’s only aircraft carrier, the Project 11435 (NATO reporting name: Kuznetsov-class) Admiral Kuznetsov operating in the Mediterranean now, will undergo repair and upgrade, United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) President Alexei Rakhmanov told TASS.

Russia aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov to receive Ka 52K helicopter

Russian Navy Aircraft Carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. Picture via Reddit

"Certainly not," Rakhmanov answered a question if a final decision on the Admiral Kuznetsov’s repair timeframe had been taken or not.

The media, citing USC Vice President for Military Shipbuilding Igor Ponomaryov, had previously reported that the aircraft carrier would be repaired and upgraded in 2018 following its return from the operation.

The Northern Fleet’s carrier battle group led by the Admiral Kuznetsov went on mission to the Mediterranean on October 15. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on November 15 reported to President Vladimir Putin the launch of a large-scale operation against terrorists in the Syrian governorates of Idlib and Homs. The operation involves, inter alia, the Russian carrier and is its baptism of fire.

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Decision on upgrading Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier yet to be made.