Replacing naval Flankers with MiG-29Ks is treated as a way to fit an acceptable air group on a smaller Russian carrier. A carrier around 40,000 tons is one proposal, with the aircraft choice preserving fleet air defense while conceding some of the Flanker's naval strike capability. A competing estimate puts a future ship at roughly 55,000 to 60,000 tons. That larger estimate reflects an expectation that national prestige would drive Russia to enlarge an Indian-style design, possibly seeking a hull longer than the Queen Elizabeth class. These are competing forecasts in an unresolved carrier debate, with no settled replacement programme identified.
Notable Point · 59:53-1:01:14
How MiG-29K choices affect a future Russian carrier's size
A MiG-29K air group could support a smaller replacement carrier, while a competing forecast expects prestige to push the hull toward 55,000 to 60,000 tons.