Live Conflict Ukraine-Russia War

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The Russian approach to overhaul, repair and maintenance...

There are serious suspicions that corruption is a major factor in the ongoing problems surrounding the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, and this aspect is increasingly discussed by experts and the media. After more than a decade of delayed repairs and repeated accidents, many in Russia and beyond say the ship’s poor condition is not just due to technical difficulties and outdated technology.

Internal investigations and sources such as former Russian naval officer Vyacheslav Konovalov state that “certain elements of the modernization that cost millions were never actually implemented, and the funds disappeared into someone’s pockets.” Allegations of inflated budgets and artificially extended repair times cast a shadow over the ship’s long-term maintenance.

One of the most striking examples of possible corruption is the incident in 2018 when the sinking of the floating dock PD-50, where Admiral Kuznetsov was for repairs, caused catastrophic damage to the deck of the aircraft carrier. This was due to poor maintenance and incompetent management of the dock, with funding for key repair works believed to have not been adequately used.

Sinking and unfixed: Fate of 'Admiral Kuznetsov' carrier unclear

Admiral Kuznetsov has spent a significant portion of her operational life undergoing repairs caused by recurring technical problems and outdated infrastructure.

bulgarianmilitary.com

With money being corruptly diverted from maintenance, repair and overhaul, it is hardly surprising that Russia's armoured thrust into Ukraine in February 2022 soon ground to a halt, is it? I hope that corruption in Russia's MIC and armed forces remains strong: it damages Russia's military capability without Ukraine needing to do a thing.