The class could show the flag without an entire carrier battle group and visually overshadow ordinary cruisers and destroyers sent to meet it. Most observers would notice the ship's scale and nuclear power before studying the finer merits of an opposing combat system. That made Kirov a useful peacetime status unit for Soviet naval diplomacy. Its unusual silhouette and apparent endurance allowed the Soviet Union to project technological confidence with a single conspicuous hull.
Notable Point · 3:11-5:19
A nuclear-powered instrument of naval diplomacy
Kirov's size, missile load, and nuclear propulsion made it a conspicuous presence ship that was difficult for other navies to answer symbolically.