These submarines are meant to counter any ambitions the Chinese may have on Siberian resources. Strategically it presents a challenge to defend Pacific Russia in the event of a chaotic war. The Russians would have to control the sea lanes if they hoped to successfully defend a land assault.
Just because they are designed for a specific task does not mean they will not be used for other tasks.
I don't know how well even one would do against a carrier group, but I don't think anyone wants to find out.
How do you figure? China shares a border with Russia thousands of miles long. If they want to grab Siberian resources, which I admit is a big Russian fear, they’re not going to load up an amphibious assault ship. They’ll attack straight across the border, probably through Mongolia.
A fancy Russian sub is not going to be much help in that kind of war.
“These submarines are meant to counter any ambitions the Chinese may have on Siberian resources.”
This is crazy. Construction began in 1993. I am guessing that design was begun before Reagan left office.
This thing was squarely aimed at the USA.
AND FURTHERMORE, if china wants siberia, china will not go 3000 miles OUT OF THEIR WAY to try a COMPLICATED AMPHIBIOUS LANDING when china SHARES A 2000 MILE LONG LAND BORDER WITH SIBERIA.
I MEAN ARE YOU NUTS.