Aircraft
Russian Carrier Awaits MiG-29s for Syrian Airstrikes
The Admiral Kuznetsov will contribute to the Russian air campaign later this year.
A MiG-29K operating from INS Vikramaditya during trials in the Barents Sea in 2013. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
A MiG-29K operating from INS Vikramaditya during trials in the Barents Sea in 2013. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

The Russian navy’s only carrier, the 59,000-metric ton Admiral Kuznetsov, is being modified to enable operations of MiG-29K/KUB strike fighters against targets in Syria. The work is due to be completed within the next few months. During its first combat deployment, the carrier is likely to carry 15 fighters and a dozen Kamov helicopters. The latter may include a few Ka-52K Katran attack prototypes as well as Ka-31 airborne early warning & control rotorcraft. The deployment will last for up to three months, after which the ship will return to Russia for a major overhaul.


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