These ships were enlarged versions of the Kresta II class, with gas turbine engines replacing the steam turbines. These ships were fitted as flagships with improved command, control and communications facilities. These are dedicated ASW ships with significant anti-aircraft capability including both SA-N-3 and SA-N-4 surface-to-air missiles.
The specifications for the class were issued in 1964 with the design being finalised in the late 1960s. The gas turbine engine was chosen instead of steam for greater efficiency and quietness, and because the main Soviet gas turbine plant had a long association with the Nikolayev shipyards.
Construction and career
Construction of the ship began on 22 November 1974 at the 61 Communards shipyard in Nikolaev. The ship was launched on 5 November 1975 and entered service on 31 December 1977. On 17 February 1978, it was included in the Russian Pacific Fleet.
On 20 December 1988, it was delivered to Nikolaev for major repairs, but after the collapse of the USSR on 3 July 1992, it was expelled from the USSR Navy. On October 29 of the same year it was disbanded, on August 10, 1994, it was sent to India for scrap.