Russia’s Only Aircraft Carrier Prepares for Syria Deployment

© Flickr / some guy called DarrenRFS Admiral Kuznetsov
RFS Admiral Kuznetsov - Sputnik International
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The Russian military detachment deployed to Syria to fight against Daesh (the terrorist group also known as ISIL/ISIS) may soon be bolstered by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.

The crew of Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s only aircraft-carrying cruiser, is preparing for a deployment to the shores of Syria. A source in the Defense Ministry told RIA Novosti that the carrier is currently undergoing repairs and will be ready for the long-range operation by the end of September.

"The carrier has arrived at the 35th dockyard to undergo a second stage of upgrades and to restore its technical readiness. All works are expected to be completed by the end of September when the ship will be ready for deployment," the source said.

© AP Photo / FileIn this file photo from 2004, the Russian Navy's Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier is seen in the Barents Sea, Russia
In this file photo from 2004, the Russian Navy's Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier is seen in the Barents Sea, Russia - Sputnik International
In this file photo from 2004, the Russian Navy's Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier is seen in the Barents Sea, Russia

Earlier in July Admiral Igor Kasatonov, former commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, described the likely composition of a naval taskforce that may be deployed to Syria’s shores.

According to Kasatonov, it will be a carrier battle group, comprised of the carrier ship itself along with several escort ships and a multirole nuclear submarine. During the initial stages of the taskforce’s journey it will also likely be escorted by Il-38 and Tu-142 anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Furthermore, the Admiral Kuznetsov may also be refitted in order to carry Ka-52K Katran reconnaissance and combat helicopters that were originally designed for operations aboard the French-built Mistral-class amphibious assault ships.

© Sputnik / Ilya BogachevKa-52K helicopter
Ka-52K helicopter - Sputnik International
Ka-52K helicopter

Ka-52K helicopters are equipped with precision-guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as with unguided rockets and an automatic cannon, and can be deployed in combat, target acquisition and designation, maritime patrol and convoy escort missions.

Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, officially designated by the Russian Navy as a heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, was built at the Black Sea Shipyard in 1985.

© Sputnik / Andrey Babushkin / Go to the mediabankThe Su-33s are seen aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying heavy cruiser. file photo.
The Su-33s are seen aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying heavy cruiser. file photo. - Sputnik International
The Su-33s are seen aboard the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft-carrying heavy cruiser. file photo.

 

The vessel carries a complement of Su-33 air superiority fighters and Ka-27 and Ka-27S anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

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