The Baltic and Black Sea fleets faced severe limits in a European war. Baltic ships would operate under surrounding air threats, with freedom of movement depending partly on the land campaign reaching the Danish straits. Black Sea access depended on the strategic position of Turkey and Greece. The Northern Fleet faced NATO forces near the GIUK gap, while the Pacific Fleet had to contend with the United States, Japan, and South Korea as Moscow concentrated on Europe. Even global surface raiders were unlikely to divert enough NATO strength to reverse those disadvantages. The argument for a globally visible Soviet fleet therefore gives priority to influencing the peace through alliances and displays of power. Its political effect could exceed its value in a set-piece naval battle.
Chapter · 6:05-8:47
Why the late Soviet Navy was built
Geography constrained Soviet fleets in a European war. The case for their global deployments gives greater weight to political influence before hostilities.