The Slavas filled several gaps as older Soviet cruisers left service. They provided a second option if the Kirovs failed and offered stronger air defence on paper than many existing cruisers. Their missiles were useful even though newer systems were available. A comparison with British Crown Colony cruisers explains the appeal of a ship adequate for its jobs without building the largest alternative. Yard problems, difficulty obtaining systems, and the project's lower priority frustrated that expectation and limited the completed force to three ships.
Chapter · 4:21:18-4:23:40
Slava cruisers filled gaps beneath the Kirovs
Slava cruisers offered a practical second tier of missile and air-defence capability, but yard and supply problems prevented easy production.