More Kirovs would increase Western missile loads

Would more Kirov-class cruisers push the US Navy toward a larger anti-ship missile than Harpoon?

Probably not; the likelier response would be larger Harpoon salvo loads, perhaps sixteen missiles instead of eight, and possibly heavier torpedoes.

The American concept is described as cumulative damage from many Harpoons. The discussion questions why eight became a common ship load, especially for navies without US carrier aviation, and argues that more Soviet large combatants would encourage larger missile batteries. A standard load of sixteen would preserve the existing weapon while increasing salvo weight against heavily defended targets. The later follow-up suggests eight may have been the minimum politically affordable number that resembled earlier torpedo practice, rather than a proven tactical optimum.