Kynda-class

The Project 58 missile cruisers, designated Kynda class by NATO and also known as the Grozny class, were the first generation of Soviet missile cruisers. Developed under specifications issued in 1956, the vessels were built at the Zhdanov Shipyard in Leningrad. Although sixteen ships were planned, the Soviet Navy completed four units between 1962 and 1965. Originally classified as destroyers, the vessels were redesignated as rocket cruisers in September 1962. Construction ended after four units as naval priorities shifted toward anti-submarine warfare and the design proved top-heavy. The Kresta I class succeeded the Project 58 design.

The primary role of the class was anti-surface warfare. The main armament consisted of trainable quadruple mountings for anti-shipping missiles, positioned forward and aft, with reload missiles stored on board. Defensive systems included a twin surface-to-air missile launcher forward and AK-726 guns aft. Anti-submarine rocket launchers and torpedo tubes provided additional capabilities. During refits in the early 1980s, the ships were equipped with AK-630 close-in weapon systems. The machinery featured high-pressure steam turbines in a unit system with alternating boiler and turbine rooms. Shipboard electronics included air search, surface search, and navigation radars, as well as hull-mounted sonar and fire control systems for the missiles and guns. The design also incorporated a helipad.

The completed vessels were distributed among the Baltic, Pacific, Arctic, and Black Sea fleets. Groznyy served in the Baltic Fleet and was scrapped in 1991. Admiral Fokin and Varyag operated with the Pacific Fleet; Varyag was decommissioned in 1990 and Admiral Fokin was scrapped in 1993. Admiral Golovko served in the Black Sea Fleet and acted as the fleet flagship from 1995 to 1997. This vessel was the last of the class to be retired, remaining in service until 2002.