Summary and Key Points: The Russian Navy’s sole aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, is widely regarded as a carrier in name only due to its persistent technical issues and operational failures. Commissioned during the Cold War, the Kuznetsov has faced numerous problems, from its reliance on low-quality mazut fuel to shoddy construction that prevents its boilers from operating at full capacity.

-Unlike Western carriers, which use advanced catapult systems, Kuznetsov uses a bow ramp that limits its ability to launch heavier aircraft. Its only combat deployment in Syria resulted in the loss of two aircraft due to faulty arresting wires.

-Despite its shortcomings, the Kremlin is unlikely to decommission the carrier amidst the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, using it instead as a propaganda tool to maintain its "carrier capable" -status.

While Russia may technically be an aircraft carrier nation, this title certainly exaggerates the extent of Admiral Kuznetsov’s capabilities. In fact, Moscow’s sole carrier is widely understood to be a carrier in name only.

For decades, the hefty ship has suffered from a myriad of........

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