The Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov sailed close to Malta this afternoon and could just be made out on the horizon off Grand Harbour.

The 50,000-ton carrier was deployed to the Mediterranean a few weeks ago as tensions over Syria grew. A planned extensive refit was postponed.

The conventionally-powered ship joined the fleet in 1990 and was declared fully operational in 1995.

It is 305m long, and carries ship-to-ship missiles, anti-aircraft rockets and up to 50 aircraft, mostly Su-33 fighter-bombers. 

The Admiral Kuznetsov also arrived off Malta in February 1996 but did not enter harbour.

 

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