Russia defense minister denies plans to build aircraft carriers

 

(RIA Novosti) : Russia is not planning to build any new aircraft carriers in the foreseeable future, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said on Friday.
"No, there are no such plans," he said.
His comment came in response to remarks earlier in the day by an unnamed Defense Ministry source who said Russia would start the construction of a new series of aircraft carriers.
"Four aircraft carriers are needed to ensure the Navy's effective operation. The Defense Ministry will not abandon the idea of building such warships," the source said. "Before 2020, Russia will start the construction of a series of aircraft carriers - up to four in all."
Navy head Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said in August that a technical project for an advanced aircraft carrier would be ready by the end of the year.
Naval experts earlier said a new aircraft carrier would be nuclear powered with displacement of 50,000-60,000 tons.