PKB unveils plan for Varan

United Shipbuilding Corporation subsidiary Nevsky Design Bureau (PKB) has revealed plans to build a new aircraft carrier for the Russian Navy.

The Varan ‘Universal Sea Ship’ (pictured) will carry 24 multi-role aircraft, six helicopters and up to 20 UAVs, Russian state-run news agency TASS reported on 18 January.

The 45,000t aircraft carrier will be about 250m long with a beam of 65m and draft of 9m. Varan will reach speeds of up to 26kt.

PKB noted that its aim is to create a ‘universal floating airfield’ for combat aircraft, capable of operations in the Northern Sea Route near the Arctic.

Today, the Russian Navy has a single aircraft carrier (Admiral Kuznetsov). Shephard Defence Insight notes that this vessel is undergoing a lengthy refit and modernisation process before expected sea trials in Q4 2022.

Varan is not the only planned new Russian aircraft carrier. Shephard reported last year that the MoD intends to order an 80,000-90,000t vessel as a direct response to the US Gerald R Ford class.

PKB also released a design for a 30,000t ‘Universal Landing Ship’ with seven helicopter landing pads. This vessel will be 220m long with a beam of 42m and draft of 7m, reaching a top speed of about 24kt.

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