The Russian Navy will continue developing the capabilities of its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov. The vessel will be retrofitted to accommodate new aircraft, Russian Navy Commander Assistant for Military and Research Work, Captain 1st Rank Andrey Surov told the media.
"We’ll keep Admiral Kuznetsov operational at all times. Right now we’re preparing the carrier for active duty. The vessel will be further developed, adapted and retrofitted to accommodate the new aircraft," he said.
According to Surov, the carrier’s appearance is likely to remain the same, but its capabilities will be adapted and augmented "in accordance with the development of the new aircraft it will be carrying."
Admiral Kuznetsov recently underwent several months of refit and repair work at a floating dock in the Murmansk Region near the Arctic Circle in Russia's northwest. In November the carrier took part in a military exercise in the Barents Sea.
