The Kiev class extended the Moskvas' anti-submarine role and carried Yak-38 fighters for a limited peacetime mission. NATO reconnaissance aircraft could approach Soviet exercises far from land, where radio threats offered little control and shooting down an aircraft risked war. A carrier fighter could intercept the intruder and try to drive it away, giving the task group another way to respond. The Yak-38 is judged adequate for this role despite poor prospects against serious carrier fighters.
Chapter · 4:02:15-4:07:38
Kiev and the Yak-38 solved a peacetime air-cover problem
Kiev's Yak-38 fighters could challenge reconnaissance aircraft around distant Soviet exercises, providing a response between radio warnings and opening fire.