The Krivak-class is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) oriented frigate designed by the Soviet Union. As well as the Soviet Navy the type saw service in the navies of several Soviet client states.
The vessel displaces almost 4,000 tons under a full combat load. It has a crew of 200 officers and men although this can increase with the addition of a detachment of marines. Maximum speed is in the region of 32 knots and has an unrefuelled range of 5,000 miles.
Armament[]
Krivak-class
The class has an unusual layout compared to western ships of equivelent size and role. The class has a bank of four SS-N-14 "Silex" anti-submarine rocket launched torpedoes on the foredeck and these are backed up by two RBU-6000 ASW rockets and eight 453mm ASW torpedo tubes (four mounted on either side of the beam). Two 100mm dual purpose guns are mounted on the aft of the ship and an SA-N-4 "Gecko" surface-to-air missile (SAM) provides close range air defence.
Variants[]
The primary version is the Krivak-I. A small number of modernized Krivak-IIs entered service with the Soviet Navy while a version with aviation facilities in place of the aft guns was developed for the KGB Border Guards and this is designated the Krivak-III.
Combat History[]
The '91 Disaster[]
April 1st 1991 - three Soviet Navy Krivaks were sunk on this day. One by the US Navy, one by the
Captured Soviet Krivak
Royal South African Navy and a third by the Chinese.
April 4th 1991 - a Soviet Navy Krivak-class frigate was captured by Anglo-French naval forces in the North Sea after it became disabled and the crew surrendered.
April 6th 1991 - a Krivak-class vessel surrenders to the Swedish navy at the end of hostilities.
