Naval power

Press, 1 May 1984, Page 16

Naval power

Sir,—l must disagree with D. K. Small’s statements regarding the Soviet Navy (“The Press,” April 27). The three aircraft carriers of the Kiev class are far more potent warships than the American amphibious assault ships of the Tarawa class. The Kiev has a massive missile armament including sixteen SS-N-12 anti-ship missiles with 350-kiloton nuclear warheads, 112 surface-to-air missiles as well as SUW-N-1 anti-submarine missiles with nuclear warheads, plus 10 torpedo tubes. By comparison, the Tarawa mounts a total missile armament of two Sea Sparrow surface launchers which are defensive in nature. The Kiev is a fleet carrier capable of 32 knots. The Tarawa is an amphibious ship capable of only 24 knots. The only Soviet submarines to have been

retired recently are of the elderly diesel-electric Whiskey class. — Yours, etc., S. M. BREACH. April 27, 1984. Sir, — A United States general has just stated that the United States is increasing its fleet in the Pacific to counter the “Soviet threat.” There has not been any evidence so far that New Zealand is under any threat from the Soviet Union, which is a major buyer of our wool and other produce. Could there be any political reasons for the constant references to the “Soviet threat”? The threat becomes real only when United States warships are present because this makes us a target. We have seen several such ships recently. The Americans seem to regard the Pacific as their potential battlefield, but the battle they seem so intent on fighting would leave the Pacific nations as the real losers. I suggest that American as well as Russian generals be brought to Hollywood where they can have Western-style shootouts with toy guns. — Yours, etc., M. INGERFIELD. April 29, 1984.