The Kiev class gave the Soviet Navy experience with carrier operations while retaining a substantial cruiser role. A ski jump could have improved the Yak-38's operating capability, yet the ships entered service without one. One proposed explanation is that they already performed their assigned missions while the navy concentrated on developing its next carrier generation. A ramp would also have placed greater emphasis on aviation within a design intended to combine aircraft and cruiser armament.
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The Kiev class developed Soviet carrier knowledge by evolution
Kiev's lack of a ski jump may reflect satisfaction with its existing cruiser-carrier role and a preference for developing the next carrier generation.