The
Udaloy I class was developed by the Northern Design
Bureau in the 1970ies. According to the original
tactical and technical specifications the class
was designed to adress deficiencies found in project
1135 frigates (notably the lack of helicopters and
a weak sonar). Project 1155 were originaly very
highly specialized anti-submarine vessel, not designed
to serve as defense or anti-surface vessels. As
a result, anti-aircraft and anti-ship armament of
the first ships of the class was limited to self-defense.