This frigate is recognized by international specialists as a best ship in its class (frigate). The specialists notes next indices: design, power-to-weight ratio, speed, armament.

The Krivak was designed as a “2 nd-rate” counter part to the “1 st-rate” Kresta-II and Kara classes, with which it initially shared the same BPK classification. In the late 1970s the designation changed to SKR (Storozhevoy Koabl'), a more accurate indication of their actual capabilities.

Although the class followed on from the Kashin in terms of construction dates, the Krivak is smaller, has an altogether more sophisticated ASW outfit, lacks an area defence SAM system arguably the main armament of the Kashin and is easier to build the latter factor made it possible to allocate construction to the smaller Baltic and Black Sea shipyards, leaving the slipways of the traditional naval yards free for the construction of larger units.

The major ASW system is the SS-N-14 missile, fired from a bulky quadruple launcher forward. This is backed up by RBU-6000 mortars immediately forward of the bridge and torpedo tubes amidships. Only close range air defence is provided, in the form of SA-N-4 “bins” fore and aft and a pair of 76mm mountings (later ships, designated Krivak-II, have single 100mm). The Krivak is unusual in its generation in having no “last ditch” anti missile system such as the 30mm Gatting; ECM provision is also minimal compared with the “1st rate” BPKs.

The Krivaks are fitted with four gas turbines, two for cruising (24,000shp) and two for boost (48,000shp). The ships thus have rapid acceleration from a cold start, coupled with good endurance (4,600 miles at 20kt).

The eleven Krivak-IIs differ from the earlier vessels in having two 100mm guns in single mounts and the break to the quarterdeck further aft.

Guided Missile Frigate Pitlivy laid down on 27 July 1979 at the Yantar Zavod, Kaliningrad (yard No.169), launched on 16 April 1981, completed 30 November 1981 and was assigned to the Black Sea Fleet.

Now in service.