THAT US EXPERTS SAID.

The answer was that the Soviets and Americans had different strategy. This can be shown in both land forces and naval forces.

The Russians were going to rely on the strength of strong tanks whether the Americans were relying on mobility through helicopters.

About 17 days:

As for the question raised by the creator of the thread, the Soviets again had different doctrine and ideology in the Cold War. Carriers were for fleet defence while US CV's were for fleet offence. Soviet Carriers would defend their nuclear subs from ASW aircraft to give them a chance to deploy and launch their missiles while US Carriers would circulate around the world, attempting to give the USA deep penetration with fighter and attack aircraft such as the F-14 or A-6.

Russia on the other hand is mainly faced with regional security threats now that their political ideology has changed. Most of these threats are poorly armed and are within reach of a platoon equipped with a rugged truck so the need for an aircraft carrier is not so dire. Of course the Russian economy is expanding and becoming closely linked with the Indians and the Chinese which means ties in Africa and South America could one day foresee the need of an aircraft carrier in the same role as the USA but it a conflict so significant that it calls for that kind of deployment is not likely for a long time. Besides, with such a capable air-borne army they can deploy a sizeable enough force to secure air-fields if it comes down to it.

China on the other hand is a different kettle of fish again. Their main security interests are in the Pacific and mostly within reach of their new Russian fighters. However depending on the mission this could require air to air refueling, external fuel tanks and reduced payload. A carrier, deployed a certain distance from their coastline would allow many of their more capable Su-30MKK aircraft to fly from the mainland, refuel, take off and then operate from a new, rejuvinated operational circle. Thus medium carriers are the most likely development there and only to project power x2 rather then globally.