I do agree that they need atleast 4 carriers. 2 carriers on deployment and 2 stationed in homeports.
Additionally to that having a mixture of heavy and medium sized carriers is not a bad idea.
It does mean to develop 2 projects, but i believe that both of them will have common ground and will differ from each other only by some minor details or size or propulsion. Having a heavy nuclear carrier is good for sustained deployment in distant area. Having additional medium one is good for regional use, budgetary constraint, quick reaction force and possible foreign customers for its export variant. Many navies like India or Brazil are focused only to defend its regional waters. For them such a Russian medium sized carrier would be ideal. So maintaining a mix of heavy medium sized carriers does have a benefit in my eyes.
Personally I think 4 fixed wing carriers would be ideal, but I don't think there is a need for two different types of fixed wing carriers. They will likely already have Mistrals, so adding two types of carriers would be more flexible, but a bit of a waste in my opinion.
I think a 60-70K ton vessel with nuclear propulsion would be the best option using all standard sensors, propulsion, and equipment. It could have a related hull to a new battle cruiser with similar propulsion.
I do think that the equipment onboard should be more defensive oriented: SAMs, AAA, anti-torpedo (PAKET-N). Leave the offensive capabilities on the rest of the task force. Carrier is a platform and should not be seen as a weapon in and of itself.
I agree, but I also think fitting one UKSK launcher for anti sub torpedo missiles would be a useful system.
But the Heavy class carrier should be able to launch and recover a AWACS based plane, and a cargo plane. Both classes should be able to launch UAVs, UCAVs, refueling planes. The Heavy class carrier needs a cargo plane for logistics. Helicopter is not an option. Imagine a situation where Brits were in in 1980s with Falklands. If they would miss the runway in the Falklands, they would be screwed. It took them ages to arrive to the islands and on top of that, they relied on local supplies.
I would think a decent AWACS/Tanker/transport plane could be developed from the Yak-44M, with more modern technology further improving performance. Of course the AWACS plane will just be an AWACS plane but the transports could be fitted to also carry fuel and act as a tanker aircraft. that way your tankers will also be your inflight refuelling aircraft for your onboard aircraft including fighters and AWACS.
Also, since each russky ship in the group has adequate SAM protection for their size they could focus the entire air wing on attack.
All ships will also have 500km range Onyx supersonic anti ship missiles and 2,500km range land attack missiles... the air compliment on the carrier will be anti air and anti sub with some anti ship capability.
First and foremost the air capability of these carriers is to greatly extend the vision and reach of the air defence of the battlegroup.
Regarding cruisers to operate with the carriers... that would require at least 6-8 vessels for the new and existing fixed wing carrier/s and the 2 possibly 4 Mistrals.