Gorshkov's balanced-fleet argument addresses Soviet naval officers, domestic funding authorities, and foreign observers. The force must combine submarines, surface ships, aircraft, shore support, and other specialized elements rather than pursue one supposedly decisive platform. Modern war is fleet against fleet against shore, with land-based air and long-range weapons integrated into maritime operations. In peacetime, the same mixed and distributed force gives political leaders options to manage risk and prevent an unfavorable crisis from overtaking their ability to respond.
Notable Point · 1:38:23-1:47:49
A balanced fleet mixes forces for war and conflict management
Gorshkov rejects a homogeneous one-platform fleet because naval forces must fight jointly, strike ashore, and manage crises before war begins.