Kara-class cruiser

The Kara class, Soviet designation Project 1134B Berkut B ("golden eagle"), was a class of guided missile cruisers ("large anti-submarine warfare ship," in Soviet classification) built for the Soviet Navy between 1968 and 1976. NATO classified the type as cruisers mainly due to their size and the presence of the Metel (SS-N-14 Silex) anti-ship missile system, capable of striking both submarines and surface vessels.

Design
These ships were enlarged versions of the Kresta II-class cruiser, 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 M-11 Shtorm and 9K33 Osa 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.

The cruiser Azov was constructed as a trials ship for the S-300 missile system and was also fitted with the associated Top Dome Radar. During the Cold War she was confined to the Black Sea.

Ships
All the ships were built by the 61 Communards Shipyard in Mykolaiv (Nikolayev).