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Russian Navy

Project 1135 Burevestnik
Krivak class
Frigate

Project #1135 Burevestnik [Krivak I] was an entirely new design, initially believed in the West to be designed for offensive surface warfare. In reality, the class was intended primarily as a defensive ASW ship. The Krivak was designed as a less expensive and capable counterpart to the larger Kresta II and Kara classes, with which it originally shared the BPK designation. In the late 1970s the designation changed to SKR (Storozhevoy Koabl') or small antisubmarine ship, a more accurate indication of their actual capabilities.

Sources all agree that the Krivak I series consisted of 19 units with the first unit being completed in 1970, though there is a diversity of views as to whether the final unit was completed in 1980 or 1982. And while there is agreement on the names of these units, there is rather profound diversity of opinion on the construction chronology [to the extent that some sources suggest that the Poryvisty was one of the earlier ships, completed in 1974, while others contend that is was the last ship, completed in 1982].

At least two and possibly three Krivak-I frigates were modernized between 1987 and 1994. Known in the West as MOD Krivak, different sources suggest that the Soviet designation was either Project #1135.2 Mod or Project #1135.6 [the former seems perhaps more likely]. This modification featured a new surface-to-surface missile in place of old ASW rocket launcher, along with improved electronics and sonars. Though possibly planned for all Krivak-I units, further implementation of this scheme apparently foundered on financial shoals.

The Project #1135M Krivak II mainly differs from the initial version in having a different caliber gun. Sources all agree that the Krivak II series consisted of 11 units, all constructed at Shipyard 820 and completed between 1975 and 1982. And while there is agreement on the names of these units, there is considerable diversity of opinion on the construction chronology. All sources agree that one unit transfered to Ukraine, and that as of 1999 at least four further units had been discarded, while some sources suggest that three additional units had also been discarded.

In 1982 a joint Resolution of the Ministry of Shipbuilding Industry and the Navy approved the development of the Project 1135 and Project 1135.1 escort ships, based on new design and operation requirements to advanced AA/ASW, radio and radar equipment with a strike capability against surface ships. At the same time the Project 1154 class, with a similar displacement, was focused on combatting submarines and provide antisubmarine, antiship and antiaircraft defense to surface ship task forces and convoys. The Project 1135.1 Nerey [also reported as Project #1135P] Krivak III class was initially constructed for the KGB Maritime Border Guard, and have probably been transferred to the Russian Navy, under the Project 1135.5 designation. The Krivak-III also features 100-mm gun that replaces the SS-N-14 ASW missile launcher found on other models. Although having less ASW capability than the Krivak-1/II, they do embark a utility helicopter. Two units were transferred to Ukraine prior to completion.

The Krivak IV [reportedly Project #1135.2 though plausibly #1135.6] is a proposed design intended solely for export, with the same general layout as the Krivak III, though with improved electronics and weapons. Three modified Krivak-class frigates are under construction for India in St Petersburg. The first Talwar-type frigate for India was laid down at the Baltiisky Zavod shipyard in St. Petersburg in March 1999, was afloat by mid 2000. The Baltiisky Zavod is building the second frigate, and the third frigate was laid down at the end of May 2000. The Talwar-type frigate is a further development of the Project 11351 patrol ship designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau. Ships of this type were initially built for coast guard forces. Project 1135.6 frigates differ from Project 1135.1 patrol ships in the range of tasks they can perform and in the assortment of weapon systems. The latter include the Club-N missile system recently developed by the Yekaterinburg-based Novator Design Bureau. The Talwar-type frigates carry eight standardized vertical launch tubes of the Club-N system which are installed in front of the pilot house. Another missile system, Shtil, installed closer to the bow, is intended to combat air targets at a range of 3 to 25 km. Its ammunition load comprises 24 missiles.

Plans to acquire another three vessels of the class is unlikely to occur, as priority is being given to construction in India of the indigenous Project 17 Class frigates. There is no indication that the Russian Navy is a potential customer for further units of this class.

Krivak I

Krivak II

Krivak III

Sources and Resources

• ESCORT SHIPS FOR EXPORT Edward Pityshuk Military Parade #17 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 1996
• EXPORT POTENTIAL OF SEVERNOYE DESIGN BUREAU Vladimir Yukhnin Military Parade #29 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 1998
• Bditelny Class Pr.#1135 'Burevestnik' NATO 'Krivak I/II/III/IV/mod' @ warships1.com
• Krivak I class @ USNI Military Database
• Krivak II class @ USNI Military Database
• Krivak III class @ USNI Military Database
• Russian Surface Combatants @ World Navies Today
• TALWAR (IMPROVED KRIVAK III 1135.6) CLASS

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