The overhaul to be carried out by the Severodvinsk Sevmash shipyard would include the removal of the P-700 Granit anti-ship missiles, installing of catapults to the angled deck, and upgrading of the vessel’s powerplants. The air wing currently operating Su-33 fighters would expand, and convert to modern MiG-29K jets. Upgrades to the ship’s electronics and sensor equipment were also planned, along with the installation of the new anti-aircraft system. Admiral Kuznetsov was scheduled for a relaunch in 2017. Pushing back the refit seems to be a blow to the Navy, as the ‘Kuznetzov’ is already considered a ‘goulag’ for seamen, due to appalling living conditions on board.

This ambitious refit is now cut short, enabling the vessel to redeploy, responding to heightened tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. Russia’s only Mediterranean naval base is at the Syrian port of Tartus. Moscow has been reinforcing its Mediterranean presence as the conflict in Syria has worsened. In March, warships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet entered the Mediterranean for the first time in decades to become part of what Moscow says is a permanent task force. That task force also includes vessels from the Northern, Baltic, and Black Sea fleets.