Soviet cruiser construction under Stalin followed a strategy of dispersing NATO strength. Surface ships were comparatively easy to support, could conduct peacetime presence missions, and had the range needed to threaten distant sea lanes with the technology available in the late 1940s. The concept also drew on Soviet study of German wartime deployments. In war, every raider sent NATO forces away from Russia's Atlantic and Mediterranean approaches. Hunting one cruiser in the South Atlantic might consume a carrier group with its aircraft and escorts, while several raiders would multiply the burden.
Chapter · 15:44-18:10
Soviet cruisers were designed to disperse NATO strength
Soviet surface raiders threatened distant sea lanes partly to pull NATO carriers and escorts away from the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.