So, what exactly is the message they’re sending? And, why?
My impression of Russian ships is they are much more heavily armed than comparable US ships. I estimate they have traded arms for range. Several of their ship classes are very short ranged and are obviously a coastal defense fleet. Their smaller ships have a range estimated at 200 miles.
Gen Blather is a good name for you.
The Udaloy-class have pretty long legs. If they cruise at 14kts, they can reach 10,500nmi.
You should see them up close - with the fifteen coats of paint on the missile tubes.
NATO regularly sends bombers skirting along the Russian-borders and airspace. US destroyers are now regular visitors to the Black Sea and Odessa.
I guess the message is - we can do it to.
I know what you describe was true in the past about armaments. But those ships were designed to be all thin g s to all situations. When Sergei Gorshkov became Admiral of the Soviet Fleet he stopped construction and demanded new designs. His famous words were “ Better is the enemy of good enough.” Now if the Russians have returned to their profligate ways it’s news to me. And not the smartest move.
21 Boomers say don’t worry about it.
Find their support tanker and they're toast.