The Krivak was first seen by Western observers in 1970, and its long, sleek lines and combination of powerful armament and effective propulsion system have frequently given rise to admiring comment. Although it followed the Kashin class in chronological terms this is a completely new design. being smaller. easier to build and possessing an altogether more sophisticated ASW system. Its ease of construction has enabled the smaller shipyards on the Baltic and Black Seas to be utilized for its construction, leaving the larger yards to concentrate on major warships (the US Navy's Oliver Hazard Perry class was ordered for similar reasons).

   The task of the Krivaks is anti-submarine warfare, and their most important weapon system is the SS-N-14, mounted in a rather inelegant quadruple launcher on the forecastle. This is backed up by two RBU-6000 launchers forward of the bridge and two quadruple torpedo tubes amidships. A bow sonar is filled and there is a VDS at the stern.

  The complement of ASW missiles is small by Western’ Standards, but perhaps the most critical deficiency of the Krivak I and II is their lack of an on-board helicopter to provide target data and engage submarines at long ranges; nor do air defence and ECM capability seem adequate for open-ocean operations. at least by the standards of Western navies. The ships, however, clearly meet the needs of the Soviet Naval High Command, as production has continued for many years, the Krivak II having two single 4in guns instead of the two twin 3in in X and Y positions.

  The major shortcoming of the Krlvak I and II has been remedied in the helicopter-equlpped Krlvak III, which appeared in 1984 and appears to be intended for use by the KGB Naval Border Units in the Pacific. The hangar and flight-deck are located aft, displacing the gun turrets, and a single 100mm gun is mounted on the forecastle, replacing the quadruple SS-N-14 launcher.