Removing Kirov from the May order of battle leaves Kiev or Minsk as the most plausible centre of a Soviet force in the Norwegian Sea. The two ships carried long-range anti-ship missiles, layered shipboard weapons, Yak-38 aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters. One could cover amphibious operations and form a forward barrier while the other remained closer to the strategic-submarine bastion. An American carrier force would hold the stronger aviation hand, but it would still face a missile-heavy Soviet group rather than an undefended landing force.
Chapter · 3:18:24-3:20:12
Kiev or Minsk could anchor a Soviet forward task group
With Kirov unavailable in May, a Soviet surface force supporting the Norwegian campaign would most plausibly form around Kiev or Minsk while the other carrier protected the bastion.