The Yak-38 Forger's severe limitations did not determine the value of the entire formation. Minsk's own weapons combined with two or three Kara escorts created a recognizable task group with layered capability. An opponent would need the full force required to defeat the group rather than the carrier's aircraft alone. That higher commitment gave the formation conventional deterrent value despite its weak fighter component.
Chapter · 38:43-41:16
How Kara escorts made a weak carrier a credible task group
Even though Minsk's Yak-38 air wing was badly limited, adding two or three Kara-class cruisers turned the carrier into a formation an opponent had to take seriously.