Aircraft
Su-33 To Begin 2nd Phase of Upgrade While Russia Mulls Carrier Options
Russia's aging Su-33 carrier-borne fighters are being modernized, but the path for the navy's carrier capability is far from clear.
The Su-33 fleet entered service in the 1990s and was the Russian navy's only carrier-borne fighter until the MiG-29K/KUB joined it on the deck of Kuznetsov in late 2016. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
The Su-33 fleet entered service in the 1990s and was the Russian navy's only carrier-borne fighter until the MiG-29K/KUB joined it on the deck of Kuznetsov in late 2016. (Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

Having made a decision to proceed with a second phase of the Sukhoi Su-33 carrier fighter’s modernization, the Russian navy is yet to determine whether to proceed with the repair and modernization of its only carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, or order her replacement.