Russia’s Only Aircraft Carrier Prepares for Syria Deployment
16:37 22.08.2016(updated 16:39 22.08.2016)
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160822/1044519936/russian-aircraft-carrier-syria.html

The Russian military detachment deployed to Syria to fight against Daesh
(the terrorist group also known as ISIL/ISIS) may soon be bolstered by the
Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.

The crew of Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s only aircraft-carrying cruiser, is
preparing for a deployment to the shores of Syria. A source in the Defense
Ministry told RIA Novosti that the carrier is currently undergoing repairs
and will be ready for the long-range operation by the end of September.

"The carrier has arrived at the 35th dockyard to undergo a second stage of
upgrades and to restore its technical readiness. All works are expected to
be completed by the end of September when the ship will be ready for
deployment," the source said.

Earlier in July Admiral Igor Kasatonov, former commander of Russia’s Black
Sea Fleet, described the likely composition of a naval taskforce that may be
deployed to Syria’s shores.

According to Kasatonov, it will be a carrier battle group, comprised of the
carrier ship itself along with several escort ships and a multirole nuclear
submarine. During the initial stages of the taskforce’s journey it will also
likely be escorted by Il-38 and Tu-142 anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Furthermore, the Admiral Kuznetsov may also be refitted in order to carry
Ka-52K Katran reconnaissance and combat helicopters that were originally
designed for operations aboard the French-built Mistral-class amphibious
assault ships.

Ka-52K helicopters are equipped with precision-guided air-to-air and
air-to-ground missiles, as well as with unguided rockets and an automatic
cannon, and can be deployed in combat, target acquisition and designation,
maritime patrol and convoy escort missions.

Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, officially designated by the
Russian Navy as a heavy aircraft-carrying missile cruiser, was built at the
Black Sea Shipyard in 1985.

The vessel carries a complement of Su-33 air superiority fighters and Ka-27
and Ka-27S anti-submarine warfare helicopters.