Characteristics given by Western experts: “The Oscar and Oscar-II class submarines, which have been commissioned since 1980, are the main force of the Soviet fleet, designed to break through the Aegis air defense system and are aimed at mainly against NATO aircraft carrier groups, although they are also capable of firing at coastal targets. They carry 24 heavy supersonic long-range cruise missiles SS-N-19 "Shipwreck". Thus, they represent the most powerful and heavily armed attack submarines. All of them are equipped with 21-inch torpedo tubes and, accordingly, can be armed with standard nuclear torpedoes, in addition, either SS-N-15 “Starfish” nuclear depth charges or SS-N anti-submarine missiles can be launched from 25.6-inch tubes -16 "Stallion". It is believed that at least three Mk-48 torpedoes are needed to sink such a boat. The new boats have significantly improved noise and combat characteristics, which, given the impossibility of providing equivalent all-round air defense to an aircraft carrier group at a distance equal to the launch of its missiles, poses a real threat to any large formations of ships.”