The Kirov class cruisers are the largest and most powerful surface combatant warships in the Russian Navy and the world. Originally built for the Soviet Navy, in Russia they are usually known by the designation Project 1144 This class has an impressive armament of missiles and guns as well as electronics. Its largest radar antenna is mounted on its foremast, and called “Top Pair” by NATO. The Kirov class’s main weapons are 20 × P-700 Granit (SS-N-19) Shipwreck missiles mounted on deck, designed to engage large surface targets, and air defense is provided by 12 × 8 S-300F launchers with 96 missiles and 2 × 20 Osa-MA with 40 missiles. The ships had some differences in sensor and weapons suites.

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