Russia Plans to Build the World’s Largest Aircraft Carrier

Project 23000E Shtorm carrier. Krylovsky State Research Center (KRSC) Photo

A Russian news agency recently reported the Federation is planning to build the biggest aircraft carrier in the world. The new Russian carrier concept, called “Shtorm” – a.k.a Project 23E000E—will go into service by 2030. Russia is building the Shtorm to compete with the U.S.’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. The new carrier is expected to cost around $6.15 to $17.5 billion depending on the ship’s components.

The new “Shtorm” aircraft carrier – a.k.a. Project 23E000E – will be included in Russia’s next armament program for the 2019 to 2025 period. The aircraft carrier will go into service in the navy by 2030 and experts say that its potential base will be Severomorsk (1,880 km north of Moscow).

During the campaign in Syria Moscow has realized the necessity of such a ship. Moscow sent the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier group to Syria’s shores, however, the ship has already done three decades of service and is on its last legs.

“On the Russian ship’s deck there were about 30 planes, while an American aircraft carrier can carry up to 90. Also, the take-off speed on the Admiral Kuznetsov was a few minutes, while on an American aircraft carrier three planes can take off in one minute. Moreover, there are many tasks that the Russian ship cannot perform today. Therefore, Russia needs a new modern aircraft carrier,” said a source from Russia’s defense industry.

In today’s geopolitical conditions Russia’s presence on the world’s oceans is necessary for protecting itself from potential aggressors, experts believe. “An aircraft carrier is a point of strength. It can move about the world and dictate its conditions to others. Of course, for the Americans our aircraft carrier means nothing because they have 19 of them. While Russia will have one, two at the most. Nevertheless, it’s a force to be reckoned with,” a source told RBTH.

Steve Schneider

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