Q&A · 1:30:59-1:31:50

Would land-based aircraft remove the need for a Soviet carrier?

Recurrent Soviet interest in a defensive carrier is compatible with investment in long-range land-based aviation.

Question

Would land-based aircraft remove the need for a Soviet carrier?

Short answer

Land-based aviation and a carrier could develop together, with the carrier serving a defensive role.

Notes

Long-range land-based aviation could develop alongside a carrier program. Soviet interest in carriers recurred historically, so land-based aircraft alone do not exclude building one in this scenario. The proposed carrier would serve mainly a defensive purpose.