Krivak-class (Project 1135 Burevestnik)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Frigate |
| Subtype | ASM frigate |
| Manufacturer | Yantar Shipyard, Zhdanov Shipyard, Baltic Shipyard, Zaliv Shipyard |
| Year commissioned | 1970 |
| Units | ZHARKIY, LEGKIY, LETUCHIY, PILKIY, ZADORNYY, LADNYY, NEUKROTIMYY, PYTLIVYY. U132 SEVASTOPOL, MENZHINSKIY, DZERZHINSKIY, OREL, PSKOV, ANADYR, KEDROV, VOROVSKIY. F40 TALWAR, F43 TRISHUL, F44 TABAR. U130 HETMAN SAGAYDACHNIY |
| Current operators | 🇮🇳 India • 🇷🇺 Russia |
Description
The Krivak-class frigates are a series developed for the Soviet/Russian navy, introduced in 1970, known by their NATO reporting name as Krivak. Initially, these ships were designed as large anti-submarine warfare vessels, with subsequent variants including patrol and coastal guard roles under the Soviet KGB Border Troops.
Originating as successors to the Riga class, the design for the Krivak class began in the late 1950s and was finalized in the 1960s. The first commissioned ship was Bditelnyy in 1970. Altogether, 40 ships were constructed, with 32 serving in the Soviet Navy and 8 modified under the Nerey (Krivak III) subclass for the KGB Maritime Border Guard.
Design-wise, the Krivak-class frigates came with unique features recognized by U.S. sailors with distinctive terms during Cold War training, such as the bow missile box, the stack, and the angled mast. These elements were integral to a mnemonic device which helped them identify the ships at sea.
Armaments across the classes varied, with the first version able to deploy the SS-N-14 anti-submarine missile, while later versions saw adjustments to weapons systems and electronic countermeasures to maintain relevancy. These ships also employed a helicopter and hangar for enhanced capabilities, particularly in the Krivak III subclass designed for coastal patrol.
Operational history of the class demonstrates their continued evolution, with several undergoing modernizations to extend their service life and adapt to changing naval requirements. This included upgrades like replacing anti-submarine mortars with anti-ship missiles and installing new radar and sonar in the Krivak IV subclass.
The operating countries of the Krivak-class frigates include Russia and India, with the latter commissioning the Talwar-class frigates, an upgraded Krivak III variant equipped with advanced weaponry like the BrahMos missile. Notably, the Ukrainian Navy operated a Krivak III-class frigate as their flagship, which was scuttled in 2022 to prevent capture.
The various subclasses of the Krivak class include Project 1135 Burevestnik (Krivak I), Project 1135M Burevestnik M (Krivak II), Project 11351 Nerey (Krivak III), Project 11352/11353 (Krivak IV), and Project 11356 (Talwar class). The Admiral Grigorovich class is a derivative intended for the Russian Navy, with several completed ships and others under construction for export after a halt due to non-delivery of Ukrainian gas-turbines.
Throughout their operational history, Krivak-class frigates have encountered various international incidents, such as the Bezzavetnyy's collision with USS Yorktown in 1988, showcasing their active engagement during the Cold War period. Despite changes in the geopolitical landscape, the class continues to serve in various capacities.
Technical specifications
| Krivak | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3800 tons |
| Range | 9000 km at 20 knots |
| Crew | 200 members |
| Width | 14.1 m (46.3 ft) |
| Length | 123.5 m (405.2 ft) |
| Air Park | 1 Kamov Ka-27 (11351 and 11356) |
| Propulsion | 2 M3 gas turbines with a power of 56,000 hp - 2 propellers |
| Armament | 1 SS-N-14 (4 missiles) + 2 SA-N-4 (40 missiles) + 4 76mm AK-276 guns + 2 LR RBU 6000 + 8 533mm T/ASM + depth charges |
| Maximum speed | 32 knots |