Kildin-class

The Kildin class consists of guided missile destroyers built for the Soviet Navy between 1953 and 1958. The design is a missile-armed version of the Kotlin-class destroyer, and the class is named after Kildin Island. Of five planned vessels, four were completed: Bedovy, Neulovimy, Prozorlivy, and Neuderzhimy. A fifth vessel, Neukrotimy, was cancelled before construction began.

The initial configuration, designated Project 56EM for the prototype and Project 56M for the series ships, utilized the Kotlin-class hull and machinery. These vessels featured a rail launcher for the KSShch (SS-N-1) anti-ship missile at the stern. The forward guns used on the Kotlin class were replaced by anti-aircraft guns, and torpedo armament was positioned on the beam. Sensors included air search and surface search radars along with sonar.

Modernization occurred between 1972 and 1977 under Project 56U after the SS-N-1 missile system was declared obsolete. Three vessels underwent this conversion, which replaced the original rail launcher with SS-N-2 launchers and gun turrets located aft. Neuderzhimy did not receive these modifications.

The Soviet Navy operated the class from 1958 until decommissioning in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Neuderzhimy was removed from service and scrapped in 1985. The remaining vessels followed between 1989 and 1991. Construction was carried out at Shipyard No. 445 in Nikolayev, Shipyard No. 190 in Leningrad, and Shipyard No. 199 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.