What might the Russian Navy look like if it built a new carrier to replace Kuznetsov?
Short answerIt might center on a large nuclear catapult carrier with nuclear escorts and a supply ship, impressive for status but too costly to field in useful numbers.
NotesBecause Russia retains nuclear construction expertise but struggles with other large propulsion options, a new carrier concept would probably lean nuclear and use catapults. The resulting all-nuclear group could offset weak auxiliary support and project status, but its cost and limited port access would prevent it from becoming a numerous warfighting force. Nuclear escorts and even a nuclear supply ship would reduce fuel dependence without eliminating the need for food, ammunition, and other dry stores. The impressive media image of an all-nuclear task group would conceal the limited combat value of a fleet too expensive to reproduce in depth.