The Kuznetsov example points to a general force-structure rule. Ballistic-missile submarines come in fours because continuous availability is treated as indispensable, while other complex capabilities are too often bought in pairs. Multiples of three allow training, maintenance, and deployment to coexist for multipurpose ships and aircraft. The same readiness arithmetic applies to aircraft: a four-aircraft unit can keep one airborne and one ready, while a larger pool absorbs the maintenance hours generated by complex airframes. A two-unit fleet works best only if leaders believe they will always choose when a conflict begins.
Notable Point · 1:07:19-1:09:09
Why capability numbers must survive an unchosen crisis
Buying two of a major naval capability assumes a country can wait for maintenance cycles, while threes or fours protect availability when war arrives uninvited.