Soviet carrier viability depends on three distinct operating environments. The Black Sea could support a carrier because the Soviet Union controlled substantial coastline, ports, infrastructure, and land-based aviation there. The Baltic was too confined for useful carrier operations. In the Pacific, a 1939 Soviet-Japanese war would make the carrier a prime target for the Imperial Japanese Navy even if Soviet land forces still prevailed. Bases, sea room, friendly air support, and the opponent's fleet change the value of the same ship.
Notable Point · 1:07:48-1:09:55
Soviet carrier prospects diverge by sea and opponent
Black Sea support, Baltic confinement, and the Japanese threat in the Pacific give Soviet carriers very different prospects in each theatre.