Kiev-Class CV

The Soviet Kiev class combined a missile-armed forward section with an angled aviation deck for helicopters and vertical-takeoff aircraft. Official Soviet terminology treated the ships as aviation cruisers, reflecting that mixed role. They were not simply smaller versions of American fleet carriers, and later conversions or sales produced configurations far removed from the original design.

The first ship entered service in the 1970s, carrying Yak-38 vertical-takeoff aircraft and helicopters while retaining major anti-ship missile armament. That combination reflected Soviet priorities in anti-submarine warfare and surface strike as well as aviation. The limited performance of the Yak-38 constrained the fixed-wing component. Following Soviet collapse, individual ships were sold or retired. Admiral Gorshkov underwent a radical conversion to become India’s Vikramaditya, replacing the original mixed cruiser arrangement with a ski-jump carrier layout.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in Global War 2025, and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

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