Neustrashimy-class

The Neustrashimy class, designated Project 11540 Yastreb, is a series of frigates built for the Soviet and Russian navies. Designed as a successor to the Krivak class, the program began in 1986 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. Although seven vessels were originally planned, the dissolution of the Soviet Union disrupted production. Two ships were completed and entered service with the Baltic Fleet. A third hull, Tuman, was suspended in 1993 and later scrapped.

The class is designed for general-purpose anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The primary sensor suite includes the Zvezda-1 integrated sonar system and a variable depth sonar. The ships utilize a combined gas and gas (COGAG) propulsion system. Armament includes vertical launch systems for surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missile launchers, and a 100mm main gun. For anti-submarine operations, the vessels are equipped with RBU-6000 rocket launchers and superstructure-mounted tubes for torpedoes or ASW missiles. Close-in defense is provided by Kashtan systems. The design incorporates a helipad and hangar to support one Ka-27 helicopter. A derivative export version, Project 11541 Korsar, was also developed with various missile configuration options.

Neustrashimy entered service in 1993. Between 2008 and 2009, the vessel deployed to the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations, where it cooperated with international naval forces and intervened in the attempted seizures of the merchant vessels MV Powerful and MV Rabih. The ship began an overhaul in 2014, which experienced delays due to the acquisition of parts for its engines. Following sea trials and air defense missile testing, Neustrashimy rejoined the fleet in 2023.

Yaroslav Mudry entered service in 2009. In 2016, the vessel was involved in a maritime encounter with the USS Gravely in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship has conducted several long-range deployments, including transits of the English Channel in 2018 and participation in the INDRA-2019 exercise with the Indian Navy. During this period, the vessel also conducted joint exercises with the Iranian Navy and performed anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden. Further operations included port visits to Cyprus, Oman, and Sri Lanka before the ship returned to its home port in 2020.