What's happened
The US Navy plans to boost its combat-surge readiness to 80% by 2027 amid ongoing maintenance backlogs and industrial challenges, focusing on improving maintenance, reducing delays, and increasing personnel retention. Meanwhile, Russia debates whether to scrap its aging Admiral Kuznetsov carrier due to high repair costs and strategic shifts.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Readiness and Industrial Challenges
The US Navy’s goal to reach 80% combat readiness by 2027 reflects a strategic response to both domestic industrial limitations and the rising naval power of China. Improving maintenance practices and reducing platform backlogs are critical, but these efforts are hampered by strained shipyards and supply chains.
Russia’s Naval Modernization Dilemma
Russia’s decision to potentially scrap the Admiral Kuznetsov underscores a shift away from costly, aging carriers towards unmanned systems and robotic aviation. Experts like Admiral Sergei Avakyants argue that carriers are relics, and Russia’s focus should be on modern, cost-effective platforms.
Broader Implications
The US’s focus on readiness is driven by the threat of a future conflict with China, which is expanding its navy faster than the US. Russia’s naval strategy is also evolving, with many experts suggesting that the future of naval power lies in unmanned and automated systems rather than traditional aircraft carriers. This shift signals a broader re-evaluation of naval priorities among major powers, emphasizing technological innovation over legacy platforms.
What the papers say
The articles from Business Insider UK and The Moscow Times provide contrasting perspectives on naval modernization. The US emphasizes increasing readiness through maintenance reforms and personnel retention, highlighting the strategic importance of a capable fleet in the Pacific. Conversely, Russia debates whether to repair or scrap its aging Admiral Kuznetsov, with many experts advocating for a move away from traditional carriers towards unmanned systems. The Russian narrative underscores the high costs and strategic obsolescence of carriers, while the US narrative focuses on industrial capacity and readiness as key to maintaining naval dominance. Both stories reflect broader shifts in naval strategy, with the US investing in readiness and modernization, and Russia reconsidering its fleet composition amid financial and strategic constraints.
How we got here
The US Navy has faced longstanding readiness issues due to maintenance delays, supply chain issues, and industrial capacity constraints, worsened by extended deployments in the Middle East. China’s expanding navy and Russia’s aging fleet highlight global naval competition. Russia’s Admiral Kuznetsov, launched in 1985, has been out of service since 2017 after multiple damages and costly repairs, with debates ongoing about whether to restore or scrap the vessel.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the Key Military and Security Developments in 2025?
2025 has seen significant shifts in global military and security landscapes. From the US Navy's ambitious readiness goals to regional conflicts in the Middle East, these developments raise important questions about future security. Below, we explore the most pressing questions about naval modernization, regional tensions, and evolving threats that are shaping today's world.
More on these topics