Political fragility meets radically different seas

Two obstacles persisted: programmes could collapse when associated patrons fell from favour, and no single aviation solution fitted every Soviet coast. Equipment that still worked was also difficult to retire when approval for a replacement was uncertain. The Caspian, Black Sea, Baltic, Barents Sea, and Pacific demanded different basing, range, and support arrangements. An aircraft useful over an enclosed southern sea might be inadequate for Arctic or Pacific distances. Political patronage, retention of old equipment, and regional variety complicated standardisation and procurement at the same time.