Russia's sole aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, has been out of action for years for repairs. AdvertisementIn July, Russian state media reported that Russia's sole aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, could return to active service by the end of 2024. AdvertisementYakovlev Yak-38A Yak-38 on the deck of a Soviet aircraft carrier in October 1985. Even the updated Yak-36M, with a longer range and double the payload, was underpowered compared to NATO carrier aircraft. At least four Yak-38s operated alongside other Soviet jets from a base in the country's southwest in 1980.

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Persons: Admiral Kuznetsov, —, Kuznetsov, Yakovlev, Hawker, Su, Andrei Luzik, Gorhskov, ARUN SANKAR Organizations: Soviet, Service, Kuznetsov, US, Soviets, Hawker Siddeley, —, Minsk, US Navy, NATO, Getty, Indian Navy, Mikoyan, Russian, Vikrant, Getty Images, India's Locations: Moscow, Russia, Soviet, Kiev, Soviet Kiev, Afghanistan, India, Delhi, Syria