Backfires could deliver fast Kh-22 attacks, while Bear variants offered the endurance needed to search vast ocean areas and maintain contact with targets. The Kh-22's speed, range, and heavy conventional warhead let Backfires launch from well outside a surface group's immediate defenses. Bear reconnaissance variants compensate for the Soviet Union's lack of Atlantic island bases by searching and shadowing over very long distances. The aircraft could threaten both carrier groups and convoys, with Badgers adding mass to selected attacks closer to friendly fighter support.
Chapter · 32:47-46:45
Backfires, Bears, and the Soviet maritime strike reach
The Backfire and Bear fleets give Soviet commanders both long-range reconnaissance and heavy anti-ship missile options across the North Atlantic.