Q&A · 1:30:45-1:32:58

Why the Ural command ship is outside the 1986 force

Ural had been launched by 1986 but was not commissioned until 1989, making an operational role in the Atlantic scenario unlikely.

Question

Could the Soviet Ural command ship support the 1986 Atlantic campaign?

Short answer

Probably not; it was launched but not commissioned until 1989 and would have stayed well away from the fighting even if rushed into service.

Notes

The large Soviet command ship Ural was afloat by 1986, which makes its apparent availability tempting in a paper order of battle. Commissioning did not occur until 1989, however, and the ship carried only light defensive weapons. Even if accelerated work made the hull nominally available, it would be unlikely to operate near the combat area. Its later assignment to the Pacific Fleet further weakens the case for including it in the Atlantic force.