The Tbilisi (Tiflis) is the first Soviet aircraft carrier equipped with the most modern aircraft Mig-29 and Su-27, which are able to match their counterparts F- 14 and F/A- 18 stationed on the American aircraft carriers. The Tbilisi is furthermore well equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles and is therefore in a position to defend itself at medium and long rage distances against the US-Navy.