Later knowledge of Western aircraft superiority and the Yak-38's small numbers and limitations has obscured the fear, outrage, and uncertainty caused by its appearance. US and allied naval aviation had deeper experience and was expected to produce stronger aircraft. The surprise was that the Soviet Union had crossed the threshold into operational fixed-wing carrier aviation at all. This distinction separates the Forger's later reputation from the strategic reaction it produced in its own time.
Notable Point · 42:44-43:21
Why the Yak-38's Cold War shock faded
Later knowledge of the Forger's limitations can obscure how unsettling Soviet fixed-wing carrier aviation looked when it first appeared.