The Russian shipbuilding sector relies on fed orders to sustain operations, and authorities are now examining where a fresh fleet of aircraft carriers could be assembled. This assessment has come up in discussions following an interview with Mikhail Chekmasov, a Rear Admiral and military analyst, reported by socialbites.ca.
Current trends indicate a gradual revival of large vessel construction in Russia. Key steps include adopting new technologies, gaining fresh practical experience, and expanding capacity. Some hull sections from ships of the Mistral project have been moved to St. Petersburg for further processing. The modernization of the Gorshkov class for the Indian Navy has involved facilities at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise, reflecting continuing collaboration across domestic yards. Work on Project 23900 amphibious assault ships has progressed at the Zaliv shipyard in Kerch, while a substantial shipbuilding complex is taking shape in Murmansk under terminal plans and investments linked to the regional industry. In parallel, the Zvezda shipbuilding complex in the Far East is nearing the final stages of a major expansion, with timing and location studies underway to determine where a new carrier fleet might be constructed within the Russian federation. These developments collectively signal a period of retooling and capacity growth across multiple yards and regions, even as strategic decisions about future carrier construction remain under careful review.
The official line notes ongoing cooperation between the Naval Main Command and the United Shipbuilding Corporation, along with other involved bodies. The Department for the Provision of State Defense Orders for Ships and Naval Weapons, under the Russian Ministry of Defense, continues to coordinate the customer functions and oversee defense-related procurement and project scheduling. This institutional framework supports the assessment of long-term naval construction needs and the alignment of industrial capabilities with strategic defense priorities.
Earlier information indicated that the sole Russian cruiser capable of carrying heavy aircraft, the Admiral Kuznetsov, was slated to return to service after repair work anticipated for 2024. The broader context suggests a deliberate plan to modernize and potentially expand carrier capabilities in line with evolving regional and global maritime requirements, while ensuring compatibility with existing fleets and industrial bases across the country.