Russia's quest to become an aircraft carrier power has been marred by failures, notably with the Su-33 fighter jet. Introduced in 1999, this carrier-based aircraft has struggled with numerous operational mishaps, including failed landings on the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's only carrier.
The Su-33 Flanker, a robust single-seat, multi-role fighter jet designed for carrier operations, represents one of the Russian military's more capable combat aircraft.
Russia's Sukhoi Su-33 was essentially developed as a carrier variant to serve on the Admiral Kuznetsov, and it is far more than just an upgraded Su-27 Flanker fighter jet.