Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:18:20-1:18:40

The Soviet attraction to nuclear cruisers

The Project 63 answer gives a qualified response to the Long Beach comparison and emphasizes the Soviet logistical interest in nuclear-powered cruisers.

Live Q&ANaval LogisticsNaval Nuclear PropulsionSoviet Navy
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Question

Was the Soviet Project 63 nuclear missile cruiser mainly a response to USS Long Beach?

Short answer

Partly, alongside a separate Soviet interest in the logistical advantages of nuclear-powered cruisers.

Notes

Long Beach's influence receives a qualified assessment. Soviet planners are described as having pursued nuclear-powered cruisers for some time because they valued the logistical advantages. The brief reply does not establish the precise chronology or extent of Long Beach's influence.