Krivak class Frigate

Krivak class Frigate
- Frigate -

Origin (Real world):
Russia

Games Featured In:
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War

Operators:
Belkan Navy
Yuktobanian Navy

Notable Vessels:
Frigate Budusheye of the Yuktobanian Navy
Frigate Svabodny of the Yuktobanian Navy
Frigate Pitomnik of the Yuktobanian Navy

Armament:
1× 4 SS-N-14 'Silex' ASW missiles
2× SA-N-4'Gecko' SAM (40 missiles)
4× 76mm guns (2×2) (Krivak II had 2× 1 100mm guns)
2 x RBU-6000 Anti-Submarine rockets
2× 4 533mm torpedo tubes

Overview:
The Krivak class of frigates 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 Anti-submarine 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 agree that the Krivak 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.

At least two and possibly three Krivak 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 Air-to-surface rocket launcher, along with improved electronics and sonars. Though possibly planned for all Krivak units, further implementation of this scheme apparently foundered on financial difficulties.

Sources:
FAS
Wikipedia

* Original Article by Garm 3