The Kremlin has nothing more to threaten American aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean
The destruction of the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet cruiser “Moscow” – is not just a blow to the morale of the Russian army. The event also exposed shortcomings in Russia's naval defense capabilities, Chinese military experts say.
According to them, in addition to the direct impact on the war against Ukraine, the loss of a cruiser armed with anti-ship missiles will also reduce Russia's ability to hold back the US aircraft carrier fleet in the Mediterranean. This was reported by Business Insider, recalling that the Ukrainian army sank a Russian cruiser with two Neptune missiles. The United States confirms this. Russia insists that the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet destroyed an explosion of ammunition on board and a fire. The ship sank while trying to tow it to port. Washington reports that an attack by Ukrainian missiles killed an unknown number of sailors. But Moscow insists there are no losses. And the whole crew was evacuated.
Former Colonel of the People's Liberation Army of China Yu Gen warns against premature conclusions. He noted that the cruiser “Moscow” was not properly serviced during 40 years of its service.
If the “Neptune” missiles broke through the deck, there would be deaths after the first explosion. But no one reports the death of the Russian crew. I am convinced that Russia is unlikely to hide it, “he said.
In 2018, the cruiser” Moscow “underwent scheduled repairs. He returned to service in September 2020.
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“This indicates that the command was wrong or there may have been some wrong actions that caused the fire… the aging of electronics should not be discarded either, because the ship's repairs were unsatisfactory, “said a former Chinese serviceman.
However, he added that if Moscow really sank due to a Ukrainian missile strike, it would reveal a large gap in air defense. In particular, it may be related to improper operation of radar or the crew. said Yu.
The 12-ton “Moscow” was launched in 1983 under the name “Glory”. It was renamed in honor of the Russian capital in 1996. The cruiser was armed with 16 launchers for anti-ship missiles P-1000 “Volcano”. Former Chief of Staff of the Russian Navy Viktor Kravchenko called it “the most formidable ship in the Black Sea.” According to Yu Gen, there are almost no heavy Russian ships left in the water area. And two similar ships cannot enter the Black Sea because Turkey has closed the Bosphorus to warships from any country.
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“So this is a very big loss for the Russian fleet. The ship disappeared just when it was most needed, “said a former Chinese serviceman. The United States has been greatly reduced.
“He was in the service for many years and was armed with anti-ship missiles with very powerful capabilities for attack. His main target was US aircraft carriers. So, it turns out that the opportunities to attack were great, but the defensive ability is weak, “Lee said. span> The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation confirmed information about problems with the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet – the cruiser “Moscow” . The Defense Ministry did not specify the reason, limiting itself to reports of fire and detonation of ammunition. Moscow “.
