1. Submarine Classes
2. Surface Vessel / Ship Classes

NATO used the standard phonetic letters to denote submarine classes, in no particular order (for instance, 'Alfa' appeared in 1969, well after 'Whiskey' in 1951). Since the submarine was considered the capital ship of the Russian Navy (and therefore the building programs were especially vigorous), all 26 letters of the phonetic alphabet were exhausted in 1985.

In that year, a new alphabetical naming scheme was formulated by NATO, and the next two submarines were designated 'Akula' and 'Beluga' (the new series' 'A' and 'B'). It is important to note that this is *not* the Americanized or translated versions of the Soviet classes -- for instance, what NATO calls the 'Akula' class, the Russians call the "Bars" class. After the collapse of the USSR, this new system seemed to fall into disuse (much like the rest of the NATO reporting scheme) as the real names of vessels became known. Thus, the lead ship of the new class of attack submarine is known by her real Russian Navy name, "Severodvinsk". I don't know if a NATO name (which would logically start with a 'C' in the new NATO Series) will be assigned when she enters the fleet.

The exceptions to the random-order phonetic scheme (pre-1985) and the ordered alphabetical (post-1985) are the Whale-class (which appeared in the 1950s) and, of course, the Typhoon-class. Another twist to the story is that although it is true that NATO derived the code-name 'Typhoon' from a 1974 speech by Leonid Brezhnev (in which he mentioned a new SSBN called the "Tayfun"), the Russian name for the class is in fact "Akula", which means 'Shark' -- which is not to be confused with NATO's 'Akula' SSN (Russian "Bars"). I have seen no evidence that any of the six 'Typhoon' submarines are actually named "Typhoon" (or its Russian equivalent). It's really a mess.

Chinese (PRC) submarines were also given Reporting Names.

ALFA Class

Nuclear powered attack submarines (SSN); service designation "Project 705"; 7 built; in service 1971; 6 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes; up to 20 tube-launched weapons or up to 40 mines;
1 (prototype) scrapped in 1974;
1 scrapped in 1988;
1 recommissioned for trials in 1989;
all retired;

BRAVO Class

Diesel-electric powered auxiliary/target submarines; 4 built; in service 1968; 4 (or 6) torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes (unconfirmed);

CHARLIE Class

Nuclear powered cruise missile submarines (SSGN); service designation "Project 670";
Charlie I - 12 built; in service 1968; 8 SS-N-7; 6 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes; up to 14 tube-launched weapons;
1 sank off Petropavlovsk 06/1983; salvaged but scrapped in 1987;
1 leased to India 05/01/1988; returned and scrapped in 1991;
Charlie II - 6 built; in service 1973; 8 SS-N-9; 6 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes; up to 14 tube-launched weapons;

DELTA Class

Nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN);
Delta I - service designation "Project 667B"; service name "Murena"; 18 built; in service 1972; 12 SS-N-8; 6 torpedo tubes for 18 Type 53 torpedoes;
Delta II - service designation "Project 667BR"; 4 built; in service 1974; 16 SS-N-8; 6 torpedo tubes for 18 Type 53 torpedoes;
Delta III - service designation "Project 667BDR"; service name "Kal'mar"; 14 built; in service 1975; 16 SS-N-18; 6 torpedo tubes for 18 Type 53 torpedoes; some retrofitted for 16 SS-N-23;
Delta IV - service designation "Project 667BDRM"; service name "Del'fin"; 8 (+ up to 4 more) built; in service 1984; 16 SS-N-23; 6 torpedo tubes for 18 Type 53 torpedoes;

ECHO Class

Nuclear powered submarines;
Echo I - cruise missile submarines (SSGN); service designation "Project 659"; 5 built; in service 1960; 6 SS-N-3c; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo tubes for Type 40 torpedoes; 20 torpedoes;
all 1970/74 converted to attack submarines (SSN); 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo tubes for Type 40 torpedoes; up to 20 torpedoes;
all retired ?;
Echo II - cruise missile submarines (SSGN); service designation "Project 675"; 29 built; in service 1962; 8 SS-N-3c; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo tubes for Type 40 torpedoes; 20 torpedoes;
15(+) modified for 8 SS-N-12; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo tubes for Type 40 torpedoes; up to 20 torpedoes;
1 modified for special operations in 1980;
1 numbered "334";

FOXTROT Class

Diesel-electric powered patrol/attack submarines (SS); service designation "Project 641"; 62 (out of 160 planned) built plus 17 for export; in service 1958; 10 torpedo tubes for 22 Type 53 torpedoes or up to 44 mines;
2 scrapped after accidents;
3 scrapped due to age;
2 transfered to Poland (1 in 1987, 1 in 1988);
generally named after "Komsomol" (Communist Youth League) groups;
1 numbered "941";
exports built for:
Cuba (3): (1 in 02/1979, 1 in 03/1980, 1 in 02/1984);
India (8): (1 in 04/1968, 1 in 03/1969, 1 in 11/1969, 1 in 02/1970, 1 in 11/1973, 1 in 12/1973, 1 in 10/1974, 1 in 02/1975);
Libya (6): (1 in 12/1976, 2 in 02/1978, 1 in 02/1981, 1 in 01/1982, 1 in 02/1983);

GOLF Class

Diesel-electric powered ballistic missile submarines (SSB); service designation "Project 629";
Golf I - 20 built; in service 1958; 3 SS-N-4; 10 torpedo tubes for 16 Type 53 torpedoes;
3 converted as patrol/communications submarines;
1 lost in 1968 and was (at least partially) salvaged by the USN/CIA in 1975 (see Project 'Jennifer'); 1 scrapped 1989;
Golf II - 13 converted from 'Golf I'; in service 1967; 3 SS-N-5; 10 torpedo tubes for 16 Type 53 torpedoes;
all retired (?);
Golf III - 1 (converted from 'Golf I' ?); 6 SS-N-8; 10 torpedo tubes for 16 Type 53 torpedoes;
retired (?);
Golf IV - 1 converted from 'Golf I'; used as SS-N-8 testbed;
retired;
Golf V - 1 converted from 'Golf I'; in service 1978; 1 SS-N-20; 10 torpedo tubes for 16 Type 53 torpedoes;
retired (?);

HOTEL Class

Nuclear powered submarines; service designation "Project 658";
Hotel I - ballistic missile submarines (SSBN); 8 (or 9) built; in service 1959; 3 SS-N-4; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;
1 (the possible 9th) may have been lost;
Hotel II - ballistic missile submarines (SSBN); 8 converted from 'Hotel I'; in service 1963; 3 SS-N-5; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;
4 converted to attack submarines (SSN);
3 to communications/auxiliary/reserve submarines;
all retired ?;
Hotel III - ballistic missile submarine (SSBN); 1 converted from 'Hotel II'; in service 1968; 6 SS-N-8; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;
1 named "Krasnogvardets";
retired ?;

INDIA Class

Diesel-electric powered rescue submarines; 2 built; in service 1976; carries 2 DSRVs;

JULIETT Class

Diesel-electric powered cruise missile submarines (SSG); 16 built; in service 1962; 4 SS-N-3c or 4 SS-N-12; 6 torpedo tubes for 18 Type 53 torpedoes;
1 decommissioned 1984/85;
all retired (?);

KILO Class

Diesel-electric powered patrol/attack submarines (SS); service designation "Project 877"; 17 (+ up to 5 more) and 14 (+) for export built; in service 1980; 6 torpedo tubes for 18 Type 53 torpedoes or mines; some units have been fitted with mast-mounted SAMs, possibly a variant of the SA-N-10;
exports built for:
Poland (1); Romania (1); India (8+); Algeria (2); Iran (2+); and probably more;
An improved design (which might bedesignated 'Kilo II') has the service designation "Project 636";

LIMA Class

Diesel-electric powered research submarine; 1 built; in service 1980;

MIKE Class

Nuclear powered attack submarine (SSN); service designation "Project 845"; 1 built; in service 1985/86; 6 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes + (maybe) torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-16 or Type 65 torpedoes;
the only known example was named "Komsomolets"; she sank after an accident in the Norwegian Sea on 04/07/1989; she has not yet been salvaged, but the leakage from the torpedos, resulting in nuclear contamination, may be sealed off or may have been sealed of by now (1995);

NOVEMBER Class

Nuclear powered torpedo attack submarines (SSN); service designation "Project 627"; 14 built; in service 04/1958; 8 (or 10) torpedo tubes;
No. 1 named "Leninsky Komsomol";
1 named "Leninets";
1 sank 04/1970 off the Atlantic coast of Spain;
all retired;

OSCAR Class

Nuclear powered cruise missile submarines (SSGN);
Oscar I - service designation "Project 649"; service name "Granite"; 2 built; in service 1981; 24 SS-N-19; 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-16 or Type 65 torpedoes; up to 24 tube-launched weapons;
Oscar II - service designation "Project 649A"; service name "Antey"; 7 (+ up to 5 more) built; in service 1986; 24 SS-N-19 or SS-N-21 or SS-N-24; 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-16 or Type 65 torpedoes; up to 24 tube-launched weapons;

PAPA Class

Nuclear powered cruise missile submarine (SSGN); service designation "Project 661"; 1 built; in service 1973; 10 SS-N-7 or SS-N-9; 6 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes;
retired (?);

QUEBEC Class

Diesel-electric powered coastal patrol/attack submarines (SS); 40 (out of 100 planned) built; in service 1954; 4 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes (?);
all retired (?);

ROMEO Class

Diesel-electric powered medium-range patrol/attack submarines (SS); 20 (out of 560 planned) built; in service 1958; 8 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;
all retired (?);

SIERRA Class

Nuclear powered fleet submarines (SSN); service name "Barrakuda"; Sierra I - service designation "Project 945A"; 2 built; in service 1984; 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-21, SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-16 or Type 65 torpedoes; about 20 tube-launched weapons;
Sierra II - service designation "Project 945B"; 1 (+ up to 3 more) built; in service 1990; 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-21, SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-16 or Type 65 torpedoes; about 20 tube-launched weapons;

TANGO Class

Diesel-electric powered long-range patrol/attack submarines (SS); 18 (or 20) built; in service 07/1973; 10 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes or mines; at least one may be fitted with mast-mounted SA-N-14 SAMs;

UNIFORM Class

Nuclear powered submarines; Uniform - fleet submarines (SSN); 7+ built; in service 1972; 6 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes; up to 24 tube launched weapons or up to 48 mines;
redesignated 'Victor II' class;
Uniform - auxiliary/research submarines; 2 built; in service 1982; maybe used for special operations (?);

VICTOR Class

Nuclear powered fleet submarines (SSN);
Victor I - service designation "Project 671"; 16 built; in service 1967; 6 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes; up to 24 tube launched weapons or up to 48 mines;
at least 1 retired;
Victor II - service designation "Project 671RT"; 7+ built; in service 1972; 6 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes; up to 24 tube launched weapons or up to 48 mines;
originally designated 'Uniform' class;
Victor III - service designation "Project 671RTM"; 25 (+ up to 1 more) built; in service 1979; 2 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-21, SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-16 or Type 65 torpedoes; up to 24 tube launched weapons or up to 36 mines;

WHISKY Class

Diesel-electric powered submarines;
Whiskey - service designation "Project 613"; medium-range patrol/attack submarines (SS); 236 (out of 340 planned) built; in service 1950; 6 torpedo tubes for 12 Type 53 torpedoes or up to 24 mines;
1 stranded in Swedish territorial waters 10/27/1981, numbered "137"; dupped "Whiskey on the Rocks" by the press;
40 exported/transfered to other countries;
also built in China (under license ?);
all of the original 5 versions retired (?);
Whiskey I - guns forward of conning tower;
Whiskey II - guns on both ends;
Whiskey III - no guns;
Whiskey IV - guns forward of conning tower;
Whiskey V - no guns;
Whiskey/Long Bin - cruise missile submarines (SSG); 6 built; in service 1963; 4 SS-N-3a; 4 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;
Whiskey/Twin Cylinder - cruise missile submarines (SSG); 6 built; in service 1960; 2 SS-N-3a; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;

X-RAY Class

Nuclear powered (?) auxiliary/research submarine; 1 built; in service 1985 (?);

YANKEE Class

Nuclear powered submarines;
Yankee I - ballistic missiles submarines (SSBN); service designation "Project 667"; 34 built; in service 1968; 16 SS-N-6; 6 torpedo tubes for 18 Type 53 torpedoes;
1 sank 10/06/1986 north of Bermuda after internal explosion;
1 named "Navaga";
Yankee II - ballistic missile submarine (SSBN); 1 converted from 'Yankee I'; in service 1976; 12 SS-N-17; 6 torpedo tubes for 18 Type 53 torpedoes;
retired (?);
Yankee Notch - attack submarines (SSN); 2 (+ up to 2 more) converted from 'Yankee I'; in service 1983; 6 launch tubes for up to 20 SS-N-21 + 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes + (maybe) torpedo tubes for Type 65 torpedoes;
Yankee SSGN - cruise missile submarine (SSGN); 1 converted from 'Yankee I'; in service 1983; 12 SS-NX-24; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;
Yankee SSN - attack submarines (SSN); 16(+) converted from 'Yankee I'; in service 1984; 6 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes; some are not completely converted, even though their ballistic missile tubes have been disabled (known as 'SSNX');

ZULU Class

Diesel-electric powered patrol/attack submarines (SS);
Zulu I - 28 (out of 40 planned) built; in service 1952; 10 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;
Zulu II - converted from 'Zulu I';
Zulu III - converted from earlier 'Zulu';
Zulu IV - converted from earlier 'Zulu';
Zulu V - 6 converted from earlier 'Zulu'; 2 SS-N-4; 10 torpedo tubes for Type 53 torpedoes;

TYPHOON Class

Nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN); service designation "Project 941"; service name "Akula" ('Shark') class; 6 built; in service 1982; 20 SS-N-20; may have SAM capability (?); 2 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-16 or Type 65 torpedoes or mines;
1 named "Miskiy Komsomolets";
the designation stems from the Russian word (for the storm) "Tayfun", which was used by Leonid Brezhnev in a speech in 1974 when he referred to a new SSBN class;

AKULA Class

Nuclear powered fleet submarines (SSN); service designation "Project 971"; service name "Bars" class; 7 (+ up to 6 more) built; in service 1985; 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-21, SS-N-15 or Type 53 torpedoes + 4 torpedo/launch tubes for SS-N-16 or Type 65 torpedoes; 'Akula' is the Russian word for 'Shark';

BELUGA Class

Diesel-electric powered research submarine; 1 built; in service 02/1987; uses the "Oxygen Propulsion System";
'Beluga' is the name of a large, white sturgeon from the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and also a large, white dolphin ranging in northern seas;

SEVERODVINSK Class

Nuclear powered fleet submarines (SSN); service designation "Project 885"; could be later redesignated 'C....' class (?);
No. 1 named "Severodvinsk"; under construction;

HAN Class

Chinese nuclear powered attack submarines (SSN);

MING Class

Chinese diesel-electric patrol/attack submarines (SS); comparable to 'Romeo' class;

XIA Class

Chinese nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN); 1 built; 6 tubes for 12 CSS-N-3 SLBM;
1 numbered "406"; in service 1987;

A word on hull numbers: it does not appear that the Russian Navy uses consistent hull numbers. The numbers change as the vessel moves under the operational control of another fleet, or something similar, which is why those numbers do not appear in many of the standard references. For the really major capital ships (such as the "Admiral Kuznetsov") which generally stay attached to the same fleet, perhaps the hull numbers will be more consistent.

Chinese (PRC) surface vessels were also given Reporting Names.

AIST Class

Air-cushion vehicle (ACV) (hovercraft); 20 built; in service 1971; 220 tons displacement;

ALESHA Class

Minelayer (?); 3 (+) built; "Alesha" is a kids nickname;

ALLIGATOR Class

Tank landing ship (LST); 14 built; in service 1967 (?); 4,500 tons displacement;

BAKU Class

Guided-missile, aircraft and helicopter carrier (CVHG); redesignated 'Gorshkov' class; also sometimes referred to as 'Kiev' class, or 'Mod Kiev' class; No. 1 originally named "Baku"; renamed "Admiral Flota Svetskogo Gorshkov";

BAL-COM-1 Class

(Baltic Combatant 1); nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser (CGN) or "battle cruiser" (BCGN); service designation ARKR (nuclear-powered rocket ship); redesignated 'Kirov' class; then 'Ushakov' class; No. 1 originally named "Kirov"; renamed "Admiral Ushakov";

BAL-COM-2 Class

(Baltic Combatant 2); guided-missile destroyer (DDG); redesignated 'Sovremennyy' class;

BAL-COM-3 Class

(Baltic Combatant 3); guided-missile destroyer (DDG); redesignated 'Udaloy' class;

BAL-COM-4 Class

(Baltic Combatant 4); corvette (?); redesignated 'Parchim II' class; built by East Germany for USSR;

BAL-COM-5 Class

(Baltic Combatant 5); ?;

BAL-COM-6 Class

(Baltic Combatant 6); frigate (FF); redesignated 'Kaszub' class; used (built ?) by Polland and other WP countries;

BAL-COM-7 Class

(Baltic Combatant 7); minehunter (?); redesignated 'Gorya' class;

BAL-COM-8 Class

(Baltic Combatant 8); ASW frigate (FF); redesignated 'Neustrashimmy' class;

BAL-COM-9 Class

(Baltic Combatant 9); ?;

BAL-COM-10 Class

(Baltic Combatant 10); small combatant (?); redesignated 'Sassnitz' class; built by East Germany; first platform seen with SS-N-25;

BEREZINA Class

Logistics ship (?); 1 (+) built;
No. 1 named "Berezina"; numbered "158";

BLACK-COM-1 Class

(Black Sea Combatant 1); guided-missile cruiser (CG); redesignated 'Krasina' class; then 'Slava' class;

BLACK-COM-2 Class

(Black Sea Combatant 2); aircraft carrier (CV); redesignated 'Kremlin' class; then 'Tbilisi' class; then 'Kuznetsov' class; sometimes also referred to as 'Brezhnev' class; No. 1 originally named "Tbilisi"; then renamed "Admiral Flota Svetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov";

BREZHNEV Class

Aircraft carrier (CV); originally designated 'Black-Com-2' class (Black Sea Combatant 2); redesignated 'Kremlin' class; then 'Tbilisi' class; then 'Kuznetsov' class; No. 1 originally named "Tbilisi"; then renamed "Admiral Flota Svetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov"; maybe inofficial designation (?);

FROSCH Class

Tank landing ship (LST); 15 (?) built in and for East Germany; "Frosch" is the German word for 'Frog';
1 numbered "611";

GAGARIN Class (?)

TELINT and satellite data relay ship (?); 1 (+) built;
1 named "Kosmonaut Yuri Gagarin";

GORDI Class

Destroyer (DD); (?)
4 exported to PRC;

GORSHKOV Class

Guided-missile, aircraft and helicopter carrier (CVHG); originally designated 'Baku' class; 1 built; 12 Yakovlev Yak-38 'Forger A' + 1 Yakovlev Yak-38U 'Forger B' VSTOL aircraft, 19 Kamov Ka-27 'Helix A' + 3 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone B' helicopter; 36,000 to 43,000 tons displacement; also sometimes referred to as 'Kiev' class, or 'Mod Kiev' class;
No. 1 originally named "Baku"; renamed "Admiral Flota Svetskogo Gorshkov"; in service 1987;

GORYA Class

Minehunter (?); originally designated 'Bal-Com-7' class (Baltic Combatant 7);

GRISHA Class

Light ASW frigate (FFL) or corvette (?); 2 torpedo tubes and MBUs; 1,000 tons displacement;
1 numbered "141";
Grisha I - 15 (+) built; in service 1968;
Grisha II - 12 (+) built;
Grisha III - 32 (+) built;
Grisha IV - 1 built; testbed for SA-N-9;
Grisha V - 8 (+) built;

GUS Class

Air-cushion vehicle (ACV) (hovercraft); in service late 1960s; 27 tons displacement;

HAI Class

Corvette (?) or partol craft (?); 14 (+) built in and for East Germany; RBU-1800 ASW rockets; "Hai" is the German word for 'Shark';
1 numbered "451";

IVAN ROGOV Class

Dock landing platform (LPD); 3 built; 13,000 tons displacement; 4 Kamov Ka-29TB 'Helix B' helicopter;
No. 1 named "Ivan Rogov"; numbered "120"; in service 1978;
1 numbered "132";

KANIN Class

Guided-missile destroyer (DDG); service designation BPK (large ASW ship); 8 converted from 'Krypnyy' class DDG; in service 1968; 4,750 tons displacement;
1 numbered "557";
1 numbered "639";

KARA Class

Guided-missile cruiser (CG); service designation BPK (large ASW ship);
Kara I - 7 built; 1 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone A' helicopter; 8,200 to 9,900 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Nikolayev"; numbered "538"; in service 09/1971;
No. 2 named "Ochakov"; numbered "539"; in service 03/1973;
No. 3 named "Kerch"; in service 09/1974;
No. 4 named "Azov"; in service 11/1975; missile test ship;
No. 5 named "Petropavlovsk"; in service 11/1976;
No. 6 named "Tashkent"; in service 11/1977;
No. 7 named "Tallinn"; in service 04/1980;
1 numbered "521";
1 numbered "730";
Kara II - ?;

KASHIN Class

Guided-missile destroyer (DDG);
Kashin - service designation BPK (large ASW ship); 20 built; 4,520 tons displacement;
1 named "Provornyy"; numbered "724"; SA-N-7 test ship;
1 lost in Black Sea on 08/31/1974;
6 converted to 'Mod Kashin' class DDG;
1 numbered "976";
1 or more retired (?);
Mod Kashin - service designation BRK (large rocket ship); 6 converted from 'Kashin' class DDG; 4,575 tons displacement;
1 numbered "487";
1 numbered "587";

KASZUB Class

Frigate (FF); originally designated 'Bal-Com-6' class (Baltic Combatant 6); used (built ?) by Polland and other WP countries;

KIEV Class

Guided-missile, aircraft and helicopter carrier (CVHG); originally designated 'Kurile' class; 4 built; 12 Yakovlev Yak-38 'Forger A' + 1 Yakovlev Yak-38U 'Forger B' VSTOL aircraft + 19 Kamov Ka-27 'Helix A' + 3 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone B' helicopter; 36,000 to 43,000 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Kiev"; numbered "062", "117", "860"; in service 07/1976; sold for scrap;
No. 2 named "Minsk"; numbered "011"; in service 1979; sold for scrap;
No. 3 named "Novorossiysk"; numbered "137"; in service 03/1982; sold for scrap;
No. 4 originally named "Baku"; renamed "Admiral Flota Svetskogo Gorshkov"; in service 1987; also sometimes referred to as 'Mod Kiev' class; redesignated 'Baku' class; then 'Gorshkov' class;

KILDIN Class

Guided-missile destroyer (DDG); service designation BRK (large rocket ship);
Kildin - 4 built; 3,500 tons displacement; in service 1958;
1 numbered "366";
3 others converted to 'Mod Kildin' class DDG;
Mod Kildin - 3 converted from 'Kildin' class DDG;

KIROV Class

Nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser (CGN) or "battle cruiser" (BCGN); service designation ARKR (nuclear-powered rocket ship); originally designated 'Bal-Com-1' class (Baltic Combatant 1); redesignated 'Ushakov' class; No. 1 originally named "Kirov"; renamed "Admiral Ushakov";

KOMAR Class

Guided-missile patrol craft (PGG); (?); "Komar" is the Russian word for 'Mosquito';

KOMAROV Class (?)

TELINT and satellite data relay ship (?); 1 (+) built;
1 named "Kosmonaut Komarov";

KONDOR Class

Coastal minesweeper (?); 50 (+) built in and for East Germany; "Kondor" is the German word for "Condor";

KONI Class

Frigate (FF) or corvette (?); service designation SKR (patrol rocket ship); 2 (+) built;

KOTLIN Class

Destroyer (DD); 3,500 tons displacement; service designation BPK (large ASW ship);
Kotlin - destroyer (DD); 17 (+) built; in service 1955;
1 numbered "705";
11 (+) converted to 'Mod Kotlin' class DD;
4 or more in reserve or retired;
Mod Kotlin - destroyer (DD); 11 (+) converted from 'Kotlin' class DD;
6 or more in reserve or retired;
SAM Kotlin - guided-missile destroyer (DDG); 7 (+) built or converted from (additional) 'Kotlin' class DD; in service 1962;
1 or more in reserve or retired;

KRASINA Class

Guided-missile cruiser (CG); originally designated 'Black-Com-1' class (Black Sea Combatant 1); redesignated 'Slava' class;

KREMLIN Class

Aircraft carrier (CV); originally designated 'Black-Com-2' class (Black Sea Combatant 2); redesignated 'Tbilisi' class; then 'Kuznetsov' class; sometimes also referred to as 'Brezhnev' class; No. 1 originally named "Tbilisi"; then renamed "Admiral Flota Svetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov";

KRESTA Class

Guided-missile cruiser (CG);
Kresta I - 4 built; in service 1967; 1 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone A' helicopter; 6,140 to 7,600 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Admiral Zozulya";
No. 2 named "Vladivostok";
No. 3 named "Vitse Admiral Drozd";
No. 4 named "Sevastopol";
Kresta II - 10 built; in service 1970; 1 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone A' helicopter; 6,200 to 7,700 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Kronshtadt";
No. 2 named "Admiral Isakov";
No. 3 named "Admiral Nakhimov";
No. 4 named "Admiral Makarov";
No. 5 named "Marshal Voroshilov";
No. 6 named "Admiral Oktyabrsky";
No. 7 named "Admiral Isachenkov";
No. 8 named "Marshal Timoshenko";
No. 9 named "Vasily Chapayev";
No. 10 named "Admiral Yumashev";
1 numbered "405";
1 numbered "657";

KRIVAK Class

ASW frigate (FF); origianl service designation BPK (large ASW ship); redesignated SKR (patrol rocket ship);
Krivak I - 21 built; in service 1970; 3,860 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Bditel'nyy";
No. 2 named "Bodryy";
No. 3 named "Dostoynyy";
No. 4 named "Svirepyy";
No. 5 named "Dobelstnyy";
No. 6 named "Sil'nyy";
No. 7 named "Storozhevoy";
No. 8 named "Razumnyy";
No. 9 named "Razyashchy";
No. 10 named "Deyatel'nyy";
No. 11 named "Druzhnyy";
No. 12 named "Retivyy";
No. 13 named "Zharkyy";
No. 14 named "Leningradsky Komsomolets";
No. 15 named "Letuchiy";
No. 16 named "Bezzavetnyy";
No. 17 named "Pylkiy";
No. 18 named "Zadornyy";
No. 19 named "Bezukoriznennyy";
No. 20 named "Ladnyy";
No. 21 named "Poryvistnyy";
1 numbered "204";
1 numbered "700";
Krivak II - 11 built; in service 1975; 3,960 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Rezvyy";
No. 2 named "Rezkiy";
No. 3 named "Grozyashchiy";
No. 4 named "Razitel'nyy";
No. 5 named "Bessmennyy";
No. 6 named "Neukrotimyy";
No. 7 named "Gordelivyy";
No. 8 named "R'yankyy";
No. 9 named "Revnostnyy";
No. 10 named "Pytlivyy";
No. 11 named ?;
Krivak III - 8 built; in service 1984; 1 Kamov Ka-27 'Helix A' helicopter; 3,860 tons displacement;

KROGULEC Class

Ocean minesweeper (?); 12 (+) built in and for Poland;

KRYPNYY Class

Guided-missile destroyer (DDG); 8 (+) built; in service before 1968 (?); 8 converted to 'Kanin' class DDG;

KURILE Class

Guided-missile, aircraft and helicopter carrier (CVHG); redesignated 'Kiev' class;

KUZNETSOV Class

Aircraft carrier (CV); originally designated 'Black-Com-2' class (Black Sea Combatant 2); then 'Kremlin' class; then 'Tbilisi' class; sometimes also referred to as 'Brezhnev' class; 2 built; up to 60 aircraft and helicopter, including Mikoyan MiG-29K 'Fulcrum', Sukhoi Su-xxXX 'Flanker', Sukhoi Su-xxXX 'Frogfoot', Yak-44 AEW aircraft, maybe Yak-141 'Freestyle' (?), Kamov Ka-32 'Helix' and others; 67,500 tons displacement;
No. 1 originally named "Tbilisi"; numbered "111"; then renamed "Admiral Flota Svetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov"; numbered "113"; in service 01/1991;
No. 2 named "Varyag"; not finished; sold for scrap;

KYNDA Class

Guided-missile cruiser (CG); 4 built; 4,400 to 5550 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Groznyy"; in service 06/1962;
No. 2 named "Admiral Fokin"; in service 08/1963;
No. 3 named "Admiral Golovko"; in service 07/1964;
No. 4 named "Varyag"; in service 02/1965;
1 numbered "121";
1 numbered "851";

LEBED Class

Air-cushion vehicle (ACV) (hovercraft); 20 built; in service 1967; 15 tons displacements;

MATKA Class

Guided-missile patrol hydrofoil (PGGH); 7 (+) built; 2 SS-N-2; "Matka" is a kids nickname;

MIRKA Class

Frigate (FF) or corvette (?); service designation SKR (patrol rocket ship); 18 (+) built;

MOSKVA Class

Guided-missile helicopter carrier (CHG); 2 built; 14 to 18 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone A/B/C' helicopter; 19,200 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Moskva"; numbered "104"; in service 07/1967; inoperable since 1991;
No. 2 named "Leningrad"; numbered "107"; in service 1968; sold for scrap;
1 numbered "857";

NATYA Class

Ocean minesweeper (?); 30 (+) built; "Natya" is a kids nickname;
1 numbered "301";

NANUCHKA Class

Guided-missile patrol craft (PGG); 6 SS-N-9; 800 tons displacement; "Nanuchka" is a kids nickname;
Nanuchka I - 17 (+) built; in service 1969;
1 numbered "599";
Nanuchka II - ?;
Nanuchka III - 11 (+) built; in service 1977/78;

NEUSTRASHIMMYY Class

ASW frigate (FF); 1 built (+ 2 more); originally designated 'Bal-Com-8' class (Baltic Combatant 8); 3,800 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Neustrashimmyy";

OSA Class

Guided-missile patrol craft (PGG); 4 SS-N-2; 120 (+) built; "Osa" is the Russian word for 'Wasp';
1 numbered "751";
Osa I - ?;
Osa II - ?;

PARCHIM Class

Corvette (?); built by East Germany; Parchim I - ?;
Parchim II - originally designated 'Bal-Com-4' class (Baltic Combatant 4);
exported to USSR;

PETYA Class

Frigate (FF) or corvette (?); service designation SKR (patrol rocket ship); 50 (+) built; 1,150 tons displacement;
1 numbered "831";
Petya I - ?;
1 numbered "899";
Petya II - ?;
Petya III - ?;

POLNOCHNIY Class

Tank landing craft (LCT); 60 built; 950 to 1,250 tons displacement;
Polnochniy I - ?;
Polnochniy II - ?;
Polnochniy III - ?;
Polnochniy IV - ?;
23 more built (under license ?) in and for Poland;

POMORNIK Class

Air-cushion vehicle (ACV) (hovercraft); 5 built; in service 1986;

POTI Class

Light ASW frigate (FFL) or corvette (?); 64 (+) built; 2 torpedo tubes and MBUs;

RIGA Class

ASW frigate (FF); 46 (+) built; in service 1955;
10 or more in reserve or retired;
1 numbered "810";
4 exported to PRC;

ROPUCHA Class

Tank landing ship (LST); 20 (?) built; in service 1975; bought from Poland; 4,400 tons displacement;

SARANCHA Class

Guided-missile patrol hydrofoil (PGGH); 3 (+) built; in service 1977; 4 SS-N-9; 320 tons displacement; "Sarancha" is a kids nickname;

SASHA Class

Coastal minesweeper (?); 15 (+) built; "Sasha" is a kids nickname;

SASSNITZ Class

Small combatant (?); originally designated 'Bal-Com-10' class (Baltic Combatant 10); built by East Germany; first platform seen with SS-N-25;

SHERSHEN Class

Torpedo patrol craft (PT); 40 (+) built; 4 torpedo tubes;
also for export, including Germany;

SKORRY Class

Destroyer (DD);
Skorry - (?) built; in service 1949;
(?) converted to 'Mod Skorry' DD;
most in reserve or retired;
Mod Skorry - converted from 'Skorry' DD;
most in reserve or retired;

SLAVA Class

Guided-missile cruiser (CG); originally designated 'Black-Com-1' class (Black Sea Combatant 1); then 'Krasina' class; 4 built; 1 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone B' helicopter; 9,800 to 11,200 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Slava" ('Glory'); numbered "126"; in service 1982;
No. 2 named "Marshal Ustinov"; numbered "088"; in service 1986;
No. 3 named "Chervona Ukraina"; numbered "108"; in service 10/1990;
No. 4 named "Admiral Lobov"; in service 1993; renamed "Vilna Ukraina"; now flagship of Ukraine Navy;

SONYA Class

Coastal minesweeper (?); 30 (+) built; "Sonya" is a kids nickname;
1 numbered "940";

SOVREMENNYY Class

Guided-missile destroyer (DDG); originally designated 'Bal-Com-2' class (Baltic Combatant 2); 17 built; 1 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone B' or 1 Kamov Ka-27 'Helix A' helicopter; 7,300 to 7,850 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Sovremennyy" ('Modern'); numbered "680"; in service 1981;
No. 2 named "Otchayannyy" ('Merciless'); in service 05/1982;
No. 3 named "Otlichnyy" ('Perfect'); in service 05/1983;
No. 4 named "Osmotritel'nyy" ('Circumspect'); in service 06/1984;
No. 5 named "Bezuprchnyy" ('Irreproachable'); in service 06/1985;
No. 6 named "Boyevoy" ('Militant'); in service 06/1986;
No. 7 named "Stoykiy" ('Steadfast'); in service 09/1986;
No. 8 named "Okrylenny"; in service 09/1987;
No. 9 named "Burnyy";
No. 10 named "Gremyashchy";
No. 11 named "Bystryy";
No. 12 named "Rastoropnyy";
No. 13 named "Okrylenny";
No. 14 named ?;
No. 15 named ?;
No. 16 named "Nastoichivyy";
No. 17 named "Besstashnyy";
1 numbered "670";
1 numbered "671";
1 numbered "672";

STENKA Class

Light ASW frigate (FFL) or corvette (?); 70 (+) built;

SVERDLOV Class

Light cruiser (CL) and command ship; 12 built (?); in service 1952; 12,900 to 17,200 tons displacement;
1 command ship named "Admiral Senyavin";
1 command ship named "Zhdanov";
1 is used as gunnery training ship;
1 numbered "141";
7 are now in reserve or retired;

TARANTUL Class

Guided-missile patrol craft (PGG); "Tarantul" is the Russian word for 'Tarantula';
Tarantul I - ?;
Tarantul II - ?;
Tarantul III - 8 (+) built; in service 1981; 4 SS-N-2; 600 tons displacement;

TBILISI Class

Aircraft carrier (CV); originally designated 'Black-Com-2' class (Black Sea Combatant 2); then 'Kremlin' class; redesignated 'Kuznetsov' class; sometimes also referred to as 'Brezhnev' class; No. 1 originally named "Tbilisi"; then renamed "Admiral Flota Svetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov";

TURYA Class

Torpedo patrol hydrofoil (PTH); 30 (+) built; 4 torpedo tubes; in service 1974; "Turya" is a kids nickname;

UDALOY Class

Guided-missile destroyer (DDG); originally designated 'Bal-Com-3' class (Baltic Combatant 3);
Udaloy I - 11 (+) built; 2 Kamov Ka-27 'Helix A' helicopter, SS-N-14 missiles, CIWS suite; 6,500 to 8000 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Udaloy" ('Daring'); in service 1981;
No. 2 named "Vitse Admiral Kulakov"; in service 09/1981;
No. 3 named "Marshal Vasilevsky"; in service 06/1983;
No. 4 named "Admiral Zakharov"; in service 10/1983; stricken after a fire in 1992;
No. 5 named "Admiral Spiridonov"; in service 09/1984;
No. 6 named "Admiral Tributs"; in service 08/1985;
No. 7 named "Marshal Shaposhnikov"; in service 10/1985;
No. 8 named "Simferopol"; in service 12/1986;
No. 9 named "Admiral Levchenkov";
No. 10 named "Admiral Vinogradov";
No. 11 named "Admiral Kharlamov";
1 numbered "412";
1 numbered "443";
1 numbered "444";
Udaloy II - 1 (+) built; 2 Kamov Ka-27 'Helix A' helicopter, SS-N-22, heavier armed; 6,500 to 8000 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Admiral Chebanenko";

UL'YANOVSK Class

Nuclear powered aircraft carrier (CVN); up to 70 aircraft and helicopter, including Mikoyan MiG-29K 'Fulcrum', Sukhoi Su-xxXX 'Flanker', Sukhoi Su-xxXX 'Frogfoot', Yak-44 AEW aircraft, maybe Yak-141 'Freestyle' (?), Kamov Ka-32 'Helix' and others;
No. 1 named "Ul'yanovsk"; not finnished; sold for scrap;

USHAKOV Class

Nuclear-powered guided-missile cruiser (CGN) or "battle cruiser" (BCGN); service designation ARKR (nuclear-powered rocket ship); originally designated 'Bal-Com-1' class (Baltic Combatant 1); then 'Kirov' class; 4 built; 1 Kamov Ka-25 'Hormone B' + 2 Kamov Ka-27 'Helix A' helicopter; 23,000 to 27,900 tons displacement;
No. 1 named "Kirov"; numbered "181"; renamed "Admiral Ushakov"; numbered "050"; in service 1980;
No. 2 named "Frunze"; numbered "190"; renamed "Admiral Nakhimov"; in service 1984;
No. 3 named "Kalinin"; renamed "Admiral Lazarev"; in service 1988;
No. 4 named "Yuri Andropov"; renamed "Petr Velikiy"; remains incomplete (1995);

VANYA Class

Coastal minesweeper (?); 72 (+) built; "Vanya" is a kids nickname;
4 (+) for export:
Bulgaria (4);

YEVGENYA Class

Coastal minesweeper (?); 30 (+) built; "Yevgenya" is a kids nickname;

YURKA Class

Ocean minesweeper (?); 49 (+) built; "Yurka" is a kids nickname;

ZHENYA Class

Coastal minesweeper (?); 3 (+) built; "Zhenya" is a kids nickname;

P-6 Class

Torpedo patrol craft (PT); ? built;
1 numbered "591";

T-43 Class

Ocean minesweeper (?); 70 (+) built;
1 numbered "252";
40 (+) retired;
14 (+) for export:
Poland (12); Bulgaria (2);

JIANGNAN Class;

Chinese ASW frigate (FF); 5 built; based on 'Riga' class; in service late 1960s;

HAINAN Class

Chinese fast attack/patrol craft; service designation "Type 037"; about 100 (?) built; 60 (+) for PRC; in service 1965; 400 tons displacement;
26 for export:
Bangladesh (8); Egypt (8); North Korea (6); Pakistan (4);

LUDA Class

Chinese guided-missile destroyer (DDG); 16 (+ up to 2 more) built; in service 1972; 3,960 tons displacement;
1 lost due to an explosion in 1983;
1 named "Jinan";
1 named "Xian";
1 named "Yinchuan";
1 named "Xining";
1 named "Kaifeng";
1 named "Dalian";
1 named "Nanjing";
1 named "Hefei";
1 named "Chongging";
1 named "Zunyi";
1 named "Changsha";
1 named "Nanning";
1 named "Nanchang";
1 named "Guilin";
numbers were "105", "106", "107", "108", "109", "110", "131", "132", "133", "134", "161", "162", "163", "164", "165", and "240";

SHANGHAI Class

Chinese fast attack/patrol craft; about 500 (?) built; 330 (+) for PRC; 135 tons displacement;
Shanghai I - ?;
Shanghai II - ?;
Shanghai III - ?;
Shanghai IV - ?;
Shanghai V - ?;
1 numbered "3-631";
100 (+) for export: including Albania (8);
25 (+) more built under license in and for Romania;