Surface Combatants (NK - Nadvodny Korabl)
Soviet and Russian major surface combatants including cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and corvettes providing fleet air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and power projection.
Major Classes
Cruisers (RKR): Kirov-class nuclear-powered battle cruisers, Slava-class guided missile cruisers
Destroyers (EM): Sovremenny-class anti-surface, Udaloy-class anti-submarine destroyers
Frigates: Admiral Gorshkov-class modern multi-role frigates
Corvettes: Steregushchiy-class and Karakurt-class coastal defense
Design Philosophy
Soviet surface combatants emphasized:
Heavy armament: Maximum missile and gun armament within displacement limits
Specialized roles: Anti-air, anti-submarine, or anti-surface optimized designs
Powerful sensors: Large radars and sonars for long-range detection
Speed: High sustained speeds for rapid deployment and tactical flexibility
Operational Doctrine
Fleet air defense: Protecting capital ships and amphibious forces from air attack
Anti-submarine warfare: Protecting SSBNs in bastions and hunting enemy submarines
Anti-surface: Engaging NATO carrier battle groups with anti-ship cruise missiles
Coastal defense: Littoral operations supporting ground forces
Development Timeline
1950s-1960s: First guided missile cruisers and destroyers
1970s-1980s: Second generation with improved missiles and electronics
1990s-2000s: Limited construction during economic difficulties
2010s-present: Modern multi-role designs with vertical launch systems
Related Topics
Submarine Forces - Undersea warfare capabilities
Naval Constructors - Ship designers and design bureaus
Surface combatant directory maintained for comprehensive naval warfare reference.