2016-11-04washingtonpost.com

Much has been made of the Kuznetsov's capabilities and the aging Soviet hulk's propensity to break down. But even though the carrier isn't capable of launching the same number of aircraft as, say, a U.S. super carrier, it will be able to bring a number of aircraft over the battlefields of Syria, including multi-role fighters and attack helicopters. And for the Russians, just the fact that they can do that is enough, according to Dmitry Gorenburg, a senior research scientist at CNA who focuses on the Russian military.

"The Kuznetsov is not necessary for [Russia's operations in Syria] but its to highlight the fact they have that ability," Gorenburg said.

The Kuznetsov, with its ramped flight deck and lack of a catapult system, can't launch its jet aircraft -- a mixture of MiG 29Ks and Su-33s -- fully loaded with weapons and fuel, Gorenburg said. But for the Russians, that isn't nearly as important as their military being able to field carrier-capable aircraft and training pilots in the extremely difficult task of taking off and landing from a floating runway in the middle of the ocean.



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