Russia’s aspirations to become a naval powerhouse are facing a formidable storm of technological advancements and strategic setbacks.

The country’s naval strategy, historically centered on heavy firepower rather than aircraft carriers, now faces the stark reality that modern warfare technologies have made these vessels increasingly vulnerable. The tale of the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s only aircraft carrier, is emblematic of a navy in troubled waters.

The Admiral Kuznetsov, often ridiculed and seen as a floating disaster, symbolizes Russia’s struggle to manifest its maritime ambitions.

With the advent of anti-ship technologies, including hypersonic missiles, unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles, and advanced submarines, traditional surface fleets, especially aircraft carriers, are facing obsolescence. The carrier, once a titan of naval power, is now deemed by many as an easy target—an obsolete investment.

In stark contrast to the United States, which built its naval power on the backs of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers due to its geographical advantages as an “island” nation bordered by two oceans, Russia’s continental presence and limited warm-water ports have dictated a different approach to naval power.

The U.S. Navy’s massive fleet tonnage dwarfs that of Russia, with vessels such as 10 heavyweight aircraft carriers and 62 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, while Russia manages with a single carrier of half the tonnage and fewer destroyers.

Recent events in the Black Sea further underscore the changing tide against Russian naval dominance.

Ukraine’s navy claims to have likely destroyed the Tsiklon, Russia’s last cruise missile carrier operating out of Crimea, which would mean the Russian fleet in this crucial region is now without a missile carrier.

This follows reports of the Ukrainian forces’ success in sinking the Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, indicating a persistent chink in Russia’s maritime armor.

Another blow came when Russia confirmed damage to the warship Novocherkassk in a Ukrainian airstrike on a Black Sea port.

The attack on Feodosiya in Russian-occupied Crimea signaled Ukraine’s unyielding resistance and highlighted the vulnerability of key Russian assets.

The loss of this vessel, even if temporary, disrupts Moscow’s ability to supply troops in occupied territories.

The American Navy’s superiority extends beyond mere vessel count to a broader strategic and technological advantage.

As the American fleet plans to keep its Nimitz carriers running until 2040, complemented by the new USS Gerald R Ford class, it’s clear that the balance of naval power remains tilted in favor of the U.S. and its allies.

Despite Russia having a larger number of vessels, the current situation of the two largest navies in the world is akin to a saying from a Swedish children’s show – “Five ants are more than four elephants.”

Relevant articles:
– Russia’s Last Aircraft Carrier Is Now Just a Giant Target for a Missile Attack, The National Interest
– Ukraine says it may have destroyed Russia’s last cruise missile carrier based out of Crimea, Yahoo News UK
– Russia confirms damage to warship in Black Sea, BBC
– Is the Russian Navy bigger than US’s?, MiGFlug