Project 11540 Yastreb (Neustrashimy-class) frigate

Project 11540 Yastreb:
Neustrashimy, Yaroslav Mudry (1896-2009). In service, Baltic Fleet.

The Neustrashimy class (Неустрашимый or Neustrashimyy, “Redoubtable”) were started as the Project 11540 Yastreb (hawk) in the early 1980s as a new class of large frigates for the Soviet Navy, in order to replace 1960s generation frigates, and seen as an improvement on the 1970s Krivak design. Currently in service with the Russian Navy, the seven ships planned were never built due to the fall of the Soviet Union but they inspired later designs, such as the Gorchkov class. Once commissioned they entered service with the Russian Baltic Fleet, and still are active there.

Muddry

Development

The Project 1135 Burevestnik (Bditelnyy class) ASW Frigates (NATO Krivak) was, as the name suggested an ASW-first frigate, which for the 1970s packed a very impressive armament on a small hull, illustrated notably by its massive quad pack SS-N-14 ‘Silex’. Like ASROC these carried a 50 km range anti-submarine/anti-ship URPK-5 Rastrub torpedo 90 km away from the ship. This focus on ASW was seen as an issue as Soviet naval doctrine started to change in the late 1970s with the constitution of oceanic task forces based around the new Kiev class carriers. Technically the latter were escorted by paired Udaloy/Sovremenny class destroyer, but this left a capacity gap for the “bastion defence” populated, closer to shore by scores of ageing Petya/Mirka class ASW frigates. It was thoerized that a larger, more versatile frigate for intermeduate operations (both part of the bastion and for punctual oceanic operations) would be useful.

Retivyy of the previous Krivak class, a starting point.

The Project 11540 Yastreb “patrol ships” (The Frigate designation was assigned by NATO), were intended to replace the Project 1135 Burevestnik (Krivak) in their final design, but with an emphasis put on versatility, having equal part A/S, ASW and AA capabilitioes to work with the fleet while carrying on traditional defensive duties as part of the Bastion. One of the points discussed early on was the adoption of gas turbines in a COGAG configuration offering better flexibility. Given that these “maritime patrol ships” were significantly inferior to NATO frigates in general combat capabilities, lacking SAM and proper anti-ship missiles, as well as having a weaker artillery, the 1st Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense started looking at the creation of a large, multipurpose vessel as early as the mid-1970s.

A team of specialists led by Captain 3rd Rank V.P. Kuzin, convinced the institute’s leadership that time has come to innovated and put in practice their knowledge. The Zelenodolsk Design Bureau under L.F. Fedoseyev also led R&D for Project 1154 Yastreb while the Navy drafted its own technical specifications in 1972. They setup a goal for the full displacement at c800 tons and a full speed of 35 knots, in the line of Project 1124 ships (Grisha class). Chief designer N.A. Yakovlevsky sided with the 1st Central Research Institute of the MoD to revise the design in creating instead a multipurpose frigate comparable to the US Oliver H. Perry, German Bremen or Italian Maestrale.

During the design process, the ship’s missions expanded and its armament was enhanced with more sophisticated equipment and expanded range, accompanied by an increase in displacement. The preliminary design of 1975 had revised the full displacement to 1,500 tons, she was reclassified as an “anti-submarine frigate”. The technical design was ready by 1976, and showed 1,700 tons and in the revised technical design of 1979 it rose to 2,000 tons, with an optional helicopter-equipped version of 2,500 tons. The Full speed fell however to 27-28 knots. Final work was carried out by Chief Designer N.A. Yakovlevsky and seven years of R&D had Project 1154 reaching and then surpassing the Project 1135 frigates (Krivak).

In 1981, new TTZ were developed by Zelenodolsk for the derivative Project 11540, retained the “Yastreb” codename. In 1982, decision was made by the Ministry of Shipbuilding and naval staff for further development of Projects 1135 and 11351 through new anti-aircraft missiles, updated com and and sonar systems, adding proper anti-ship capabilities proper for a multi-purpose frigate. In October 1981, the final design was signed by the Commander-in-Chief after changes in armament (addition of the Uran system) and the displacement was authorized to be increased to 3,500 tons. Yakovlevsky was still at the head of the final development, with Chief Observer for the Navy Captain 2nd Rank V.Ya. Korsukov, then O.K. Korobkov.

1- Underkeel antenna of the Zvezda-1 sonar
2- 100-mm universal gun mount AK-100
3- Vertical launch systems of the Kinzhal SAM system
4- RBU-6000 rocket launcher
5- Antenna of the MR-145 Lev artillery fire control radar
6- Antenna of the fire control radar of the Kinzhal SAM system
7- A site reserved for the Uran anti-aircraft missile system
8- Three-dimensional radar MR-750 Fregat-M2 for general search
9- Universal missile and torpedo launchers of the Vodopad-NK anti-aircraft missile system
10- Kortik anti-aircraft missile and artillery system
11– Pozitiv radar for target designation of the Kortik air defense missile system
12– Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopter
13– runway
14– room for the towed antenna of the Zvezda-1 sonar.

The development of Project 11540 required a number of specialized R&D projects, including reducing underwater noise levels, ensuring seaworthiness, and good handling. Considerable attention was also paid to reducing IR signature. For the first time in Russian shipbuilding history, Yakovlevsky and Korsukov used the results of a research using the “Chartezh” computer based design (CAD) system by Captain 3rd Rank V.I. Nikolsky. The layout was modified, with the air defense system moved from the stern to the bow, the sonar from the keel fairing to a bow bulge. The armament composition also changed.

Initially, the Neustrashimy class was supposed to carry the new RPK-5 RBU-10000 anti-submarine system, but its effectiveness was questioned by experts. Its development was cancelled eventually, and instead the trusted RBU-6000 wa sinstalled. Officers from the 1st Central Research Institute, MOD, campaign to have the 100mm AK-100 installed. Competitor bureau under A.N. Krylov Central Research Institute “promoted” instead “their” 76mm AK-176 gun. The C&C put an end to the debate and pushed for the 100mm if practicable.

The 1st Naval Institute recommended installing a diesel gas turbine also from the start, believing this solution was the most optimal and pushed for it to be mounted onto other new ships. However, the final design required a gas turbine based similar to the Project 1135 (Krivak) design, combining cruise and afterburning engines. This was because neither the diesel nor gas turbine departments wanted to develop the complicated gearbox and mount. Gradually, standard displacement was fixed at 3,200 tons and this impacted the ability to build it in a very large series.

Design of the class

Project 11540 ship had a new forecastle design, with a continuous superstructure and relatively high freeboard. The hull structure was entirely in steel, the first time in 30 years, since the Project 57-bis destroyer. Seakeeping was improved by stabilizers with retractable rudders and bilge keels. Provisions were also made for resupplying at sea both oil, gas, water and dry cargo.

Hull and general design

Project 11540 Yastreb were single-funnelled but two-masted with a well developed superstructure occupying more than half her length at the upper deck, a stark contrast to the more compact Krivak. The architectural and layout solutions ensure reduced thermal, acoustic, electromagnetic, and secondary radar fields. The hull had a semi-deck-style with an elongated forecastle, characteristic break at the bow, improving the depression of the forward 100mm gun mount. The bow sonar bulge was also new. The hull was sub-divided into 12 compartments by watertight bulkheads. The fact both the hull and structures were entirely steel in improved massively resistance to fire, and for the first time, their shape includded stealth technologies researches. All all joints were welded for a smoother external appearance.

Powerplant

The main propulsion plant consisted in a twin-shaft arrangement, with one M-70 cruise (On Mudry D090) for 37,000 hp and one M-90 afterburning gas turbine unit for 20,000 hp, per shaft line. They drove a fixed-pitch propeller each, through a gearbox. Singlle shaft output was 57,000 hp, total output, combined, was c110,000 hp (82,000 kW). This power enabled a top speed of 30 knots, reduced in practice to 29 kts. The cruising range rose to 18 knots and 3,000 miles, and at an economical cruising speed of 14 knots, 5,100 nautical miles. The electric power plant consists of two 800 kW diesel generators and three 600 kW diesel generators. There are also stabilizers and bilge keels, improving seaworthiness. Their endurance based on provisions is estimated at 30 days.

Protection

Armament

100mm AK-100

The Neustrashimy’s artillery consists of a single 100mm AK-100 artillery mount with 350 rounds of ammunition each at the bow, designed to engage coastal, sea, and air targets, including anti-ship missiles.

Vodopad-NK

The Vodopad-NK is the primary medium range anti-submarine missile system, consisting of two triple-tube horizontal launchers mounted on either side of the bow at a fixed angle of 18°. The ammunition load consists of six missiles with a range of up to 50 km.

RBU-6000

Single RBU-6000 Smerch-2 rocket launcher mounted on the forecastle for short range ASW. The launcher has an ammunition complement of 60 rockets with a maximum firing range of 6 kilometers and a maximum target depth of 450 meters.

Uran anti-ship missile system

To engage surface ships and vessels, the Neustrashimy class are equipped with a Uran anti-ship missile system amidship. The system consists of four four-container launchers positioned perpendicular to longitudinal axis at an elevation angle of 35°. Total load is sixteen Kh-35 anti-ship missiles. Despite the Uran anti-ship missile system repeatedly mentioned in the media as part of the Neustrashimy’s armament, it has however never been installed when she entered service in 1993, neither in 2003. Thus, throughout her entire life, Neustrashimy never had a primary anti-ship asset.

Kinzhal

The ships’ primary air and missile defense system is the Kinzhal anti-aircraft missile system, with a total of 32 SAMs in four eight-container drum-type vertical launch modules mounted in the bow, behind the gun mount.

Kortik CIWS

For close-in air defense, the Neustrashimy class have two Kortik combined AA missile and artillery system. They are placed on either side, near the hangar, each with 32 SAMs and two 500 30mm rounds. The 30mm automatic cannons of the Kortik SAM system can also be used to engage small surface and coastal targets.

Grenade Launchers (Mudry)

The Yaroslav Mudry alone has two ten-barrel 55mm DP-65 grenade launchers for “protection against saboteurs”.

Sensors

MR-750 Fregat-M2 or MR-755 Fregat-MA

The primary radar is the MR-750 Fregat-M2 or MR-755 Fregat-MA (Mudry) phased array target acquisition and designation radar, depending on the specific ship. Its antenna post is located on the mainmast.

MR-352 Pozitiv

The foremast houses the antenna post for the MR-352 Pozitiv target acquisition and designation radar, part of the Kinzhal air defense missile system.

MR-212 Vaygach

For navigation, the MR-212 Vaygach navigation radar and the Beysur system are installed.

Zvezda-M1 sonar

To detect and track underwater targets, the ships of this project are equipped with a Zvezda-M1 sonar system with an antenna in the bow bulb.

Tron-11540 CCS

The ships are equipped with a specialized combat information and control system, the Tron-11540.

Lev-145 FCS

The guns are guided by the MP-145 radar of the Lev-145 artillery fire control system.

Onega-11540

the RBU-6000 is guided to and tracked by the Onega-11540 anti-submarine warfare system.

EW systems

For electronic warfare, Neustrashimy is equipped with the MP-405 system, which the Mudry replaced with a TK-25 system. The ship’s electronic countermeasures and passive jamming systems for missiles’ thermal and radar homing heads consist of eight ten-tube 120mm KT-216 launchers of the PK-10 Smelyy system and two 82mm KL-101 launchers of the PK-16 system, each armed with chaff-filling rockets and thermal decoys.

Communication

Communications setup includes the R-782 Buran automated communications system. Yaroslav Mudryi is additionally equipped with the R-768 Centaur satellite communications system.

Air Group

The ships of this project are designed to accommodate the Ka-27PL helicopter, a noverlty compared to the Krivak class, it comes with a helipade, and a hangar fully equipped with fuel, lubricants, and ammunition. The helicopter is designed to search for and destroy submarines, and can be equipped to provide over-the-horizon target designation for the Uran anti-ship missile system at a range of up to 200 kilometers from the ship, so for A/S work as well.

⚙ Neustrashimy specifications 2000s
Displacement	3,800 tons Standard, 4,400 tons fully loaded
Dimensions	129 x 15.6 x 5.6m (423 ft 3 in x 51 ft 2 in x 18 ft 4 in)
Propulsion	2 shaft COGAG M70/D090 cruise, M90 boost gas turbines: 110,000 hp (82,000 kW)
Speed	30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range	Est. 3000 nm at 18 kts
Armament	2×4 SS-N-25*, 4×8 VLS SA-N-9, RBU-6000, 1× 100mm, 2× Kashtan, 6× 533mm SS-N-15/16, Type 53 torp.
Protection	2×10 55 DP-65(RG-55M) grenade launchers*
Sensors	Top Plate, Palm Frond, Cross Sword, Kite Screech, Ox Yoke LF bow mounted sonar, Ox Tail VDS
Air Group	Ka-27 with Helipad and Hangar
Crew	210

*Only installed on Mudry.

General Evaluation

There are many pros and cons to the design. First off, the all steel construction made it reslient to fire and more durable, but also heavy, with a top speed reduced gradually from the expected 35 to just 28-29 knots, meaning these frigates are less usable in a context of task force protection with cruisers and destroyers. The size and final cost was also an issue for mass production. However it was also a grounbreaking design at many levels, starting with its CAD-assisted design, mixed powerplant, now hull shape, heavy gunnery armament good for landing support, helicopter with hangar for efficient ASW missions, and a full array of ASW, A/S and AA capabilities, albeit the lead ship Neustrashimmy never received her A/S missiles.

Their most recoignisable missile armament is the new Uran anti-ship missile system, four quad-canisters positioned transversely amidship. This is seconded by a medium-range AA defence with the Kinzhal, multi-channel, self-defense air defense system in a modern bow VLS, and two recent Kortik SAM system for close range, on the aft superstructure. The primary ASW asset is the Vodopad-NK for medium range, the helicopter for long range and an RBU-6000 Zapad RL plus torpedo tubes for short range. The Vodopad-NK are launched from fixed universal launchers, capable of deploying either anti-ship missiles and torpedoes with three mounted on each side. The Fregat-MA 3D phased array radar was a good system for its time, but less so for the Zvezda-1 sonar system in the bow whin fairing, but well completed by a VDS (towed sonar) at the stern. The Uran system unavailability for the lead ship was a real issue, and she kept the prepared fixation for the launcher and dedicated spaces for consoles nevertheless. But this greatly diminished her relevance as a true multi-purpose frigate. She had a long refit in 2000, until April 2023, but the missile was till not installed, so she is expected to be decommissioned somewhere around 2030

Mudry’s salute gun
In conrast her sister, later renamed Yaroslav Mudry, was far more valuable, albeit she was initially lad down in 1988 and most of her technical details were changed in between before she was completed in 2009, after twenty-one years !. Needless to say technology wenr on in between, and her whole electrical circuitry standards was overhaul for example, as well as its automated systems and consoles, making her a far more modern ship compared to her sister. Since 2023, Neustrashimmy however caught up with Mudry.

Derivative: Project 11541 “Korsar”

United Shipbuilding Corporation developed the escort ship “Korsar” (Corsair) based on the Neustrahimmy design, as a new type of versatile A/S, AA ASW general purpose frigate for export with the range for patrol tasks. It was to have also all the tactical task force communication and link systems, satcom, for oceanic operations as well. The armament was moderately modular as the ship could swap either four Kh-35 launchers with 16 missiles or two P-800 Oniks launchers with 8 missiles, or eight 3M-54 Kalibr VLS cells or 2 P-270 Moskit launchers with 8 missiles as prime armament. Nothing came out of it (so far).

Career of the Neustrashimy class

Neusrashimy deployed at the maritime security Belt operations in 2019

After joining the Navy, both frigates took part in various exercises, including joint exercises with NATO. They accompanied the official visits of Russian President Vladimir Putin to London and Lisbon, made friendly visits to ports in France, Spain, Belgium, and other countries, served in the Baltic, Norwegian, Mediterranean seas, did their tour of duty against Somali pirates and escorted many ships in the “safety corridor” off Somalia. Their crews repeatedly won various prizes in competitions for the Baltic Fleet. By September 2006, Neustrashimy took part in the reburial of Empress Maria Feodorovna, escorting the Danish Esbern Snare carrying the Empress’s ashes. In July 2010, it was reported both ships would be transferred to the Black Sea Fleet in 2011, following approval from Ukraine to maintain operational control for the Mediterranean Sea. However this took place, despite the range of these frigates made them travelling down to the the Horn of Africa.

From December 7, 2011 to February 10, 2012, Neustrashimmy took part of the inter-fleet task force to the Mediterranean led by the carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. On April 25, 2012 Yaroslav Mudry was authorized by Vice-Admiral V.V. Chirkov to be patroned by the Head of the Russian Imperial House, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, receiving that emblem. In May 2013, she carried the icon of Feodor Ushakov to the brotherhood of the Vatopedi Monaster, Mount Athos in Greece, from Genoa, Italy. In January 24, 2014, Neustrashimy entered Yantar Shipyard for an overhaul. Her afterburners and auxiliary diesel generators were replaced as well as all her systems, water drainage, fire protection, fuel, electrical, and automation and control systems to be put to the Mudy standards. It dragged on until April 2023 (9 years !).

Neustrashimy (1988)

Neustrashimy was ordered as hull N°712 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, started in 1986, laid down in 1987, launched in May 25 1988 (actually the only one in class launched in the cold war) and completed, and the only one commissioned also in the 1990s, on 24 January 1993 to be precise. She was assigned to the Baltic Fleet. Construction of the first elements started in May 1986 at Yantar but her official laying down ceremony was on March 25, 1987. She was launched on May 25, 1988, completed in December 28, 1990, listed in the fleet on March 14, 1991 but ionly formally commissioned on January 24, 1993 and formally accepted in the Baltic fleet after qualifications in February 2, 1993. At 1988 prices, total cost has been 80 million rubles.

She was based, like her sister, at Baltiysk NB. She made a friendly visit to Kiel for the 100th anniversary of the Kiel Canal. She took part in numerous joint exercise with European navies in the 2000s, visisted London in 2003 with a Presidential visit of Vladimir Putin. By late September 2008, Neustrashimy left the Baltic Fleet for the Gulf of Aden waters to patrol off the Somali coast, fighting piracy in the area, with Russian navy spokesman Captain Igor Dygalo telling the Associated Press her mission of anti-piracy was to be coordinated with other fleets present. On 27 October, she was however operating independently in the vicinity of a group of NATO warships near the Somali coast and on 11 November, helped capture suspected pirates along with Royal Marines from HMS Cumberland. The pirated had attempted to board the merchant vessel MV Powerful. On 16 November 2008, she prevented pirates from capturing the Saudi Arabian ship MV Rabih.

From 2014 Neustrashimy entered a long overhaul with a deadline for completion delayed and passed on several occasions, partly due to the issue of acquiring parts for her Ukrainian-made engines (or western systems) after the Crimean invasion. However, she completed her refit in December 2021, was recommissioned in April 2022. Post-refit sea trials were took place by February 2022 and in July she had live fire drills with her SA-N-9 air defence missile, completing her post-refit sea trials and officially back in service in full capacity by April 2023. In a 2024 voyage from the Baltic Fleet base with other ships including Smolnyy, she visited Havana, Cuba on 27 July. She was at Dar es Salaam on 21 September, and docked at Simon’s Town on 3 October with the supply ship Akademik Pashin, just in time for the South African Navy Festival. Further logs are awaited for 2025-2026.

Yaroslav Mudry (Nepristupnyi) (1991)

Nepristupnyi was ordered as hull N°777 (ex-727) at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad on May 27, 1988. She was launched in May (or june) 1991 but construction was suspended and she was only completed in 2009, renamed in between Yaroslav Mudry. She was assigned to the Baltic Fleet. On June 19 or July 2009, she was commissioned and on July 24, 2009, the Naval Ensign was raised. From June 19 she was listed already in the Baltic Fleet.

As seen above her transfer to the Black sea fleet planned in July 2010 never took place. From December 7, 2011 to February 10, 2012, she tookpart in a major task force deployment with the aicraft carrier kuznetsov to the Mediterranean. Her overhaul at Yantar from 2014 saw D090 gas turbine engine from Ukrainian Zorya-Mashproekt overhauled by the Novik Industrial Group, looking for defects and full maintenance of the power plant. Its design bureau was made of specialists inherited from the former Soviet turbine design bureau of the Leningrad Kirov Plant. The engines were overhauled at Metallist-Samara OJSC working with the Kuznetsov Engine Company. The machinery overhaul was completed in January 2016. By March 2, she completed mooring trials and returned to service two months later.

Mudry in the Kattegat
In April 2016, Mudry teamed up with the corvette Boykiy for live-fire training exercises in the Baltic, and mock defence against Ka-27 helicopters and Su-24 bomberss. SAB-250 flare bombs were used as targets. She fire her A-100 main gun, Kortik, and AK-630 missiles followed by gunnery drills against towed naval shields. On June 1, 2016, she sailed for the eastern Mediterranean and her sister Yaroslav Mudry as part of the permanent Russian task force in the Mediterranean. At this occasion, the Russians reported on June 17, 2016 a “serious incident” in the medias.
While in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Arleigh Burked USS Gravely whuich shadowed the task force was denounced as “coming dangerously close” to Yaroslav Mudry, about 60-70 meters of her port side and crossing bow at 180 meters in international waters. Russian military officials complained about the violation of Rule 13 about overtaking a ship in international waters, in the context of International Regulations for Preventing Collisions, but also that they violated Rule 15 for Crossing Situations and Paragraph 1, Article 3 of the 1972 Soviet-American Agreement.

In contrast, the US website Defense News citing US Navy representatives said the Russian vessel “behaved unprofessionally” signalling restricted maneuvering under International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. It seems that clear warning by VHF radio on both sides were disregarded. It seems also that when Gravely changed course and speed, Mudry did the same, indicating that it was not actually restricted in its ability to maneuver. Mudry for the US side was never closer than 300 meters, 5 nautical miles (9.3 kilometers) from Kuznetsov.

Mudry in the Channel
On August 18, 2016, Mudry left Djibouti and started anti-piracy duties in the Gulf of Aden. In mid-October 2016, she was detached from the TF for several weeks of anti-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean, crossed the Mediterranean into the Atlantic. On October 26, 2016, she refuelled from the tanker Lena from Havana, Cuba. On November 18, 2016, together with Lena, she was called to Point Fortin, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to also replenish water and food and having a full inspection plus R&R for the crew. On December 2, 2016, she was reported having complted her mission in the Caribbean and setting course for home, arriving in the Baltic base in December 19.

On May 8, 2017, she was called at Kronstadt for drydock maintenanc, completed by mid-June 2017. From April 15 to October 28, 2018, she made another long term deployment with the TF and anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, stops in several African ports, and taking part in large Russian Navy exercises under Admiral Vladimir Korolev, CiC, in the Mediterranean. She covered a record 30,000 nautical miles in this deployment. By May 28, 2021, she arrived at Yantar for maintenance, moored at its embankment, completed until mid-June 2021. As of 2026,

Tuman (1996)

Tuman was laid down at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad in 1990, launched in 1996 but never completed, instead she was cancelled. Work on Tuman was suspended in late 1993, 47% complete. There simply was not more funding. In 1996, she was launched as she was just to clear the slipway. Laid up in 1998 she was moved out of the dry dock area and remained there until an announcement in April 2016 from the director of Yantar shipyard. It was announced that the incomplete hulk would be scrapped as the cost of completing her on an outdated design was no longer relevant. She would be recycled for more cost-effective projects.

Following the laying of the Nepristupny, construction of a third ship, the Tuman, also began at Yantar, but was later halted. The unfinished Tuman was planned to be used as a basis for an anti-submarine ship for combating conventional submarines. Completion was scheduled for 2014. As Captain 1st Rank Vladimir Tryapichnikov, Head of the Russian Navy’s Shipbuilding Department, told reporters in September 2015: “The Russian Navy Command will not order the completion of the Project 11540 Tuman frigate. Despite the fact that the ship’s hull has been in the water for a long time, there is no demand for it. Not only is it outdated, but it also doesn’t fit into the modern tactics and development strategy of the Navy.”[2]

Project 11540 Yastreb (Neustrashimy-class) frigate

Project 11540 Yastreb:
Neustrashimy, Yaroslav Mudry (1896-2009). In service, Baltic Fleet.

Development