The Kiev class, Soviet designation Project 1143 Krechyet (gyrfalcon), was the first class of fixed-wing aircraft carriers (heavy aviation cruiser in Soviet classification) built in the Soviet Union for the Soviet Navy. In addition to its aviation capabilities, the Kiev-class incorporated a large armament of anti-ship cruise missiles, surface to air missile systems, and sonar equipment, making it an aircraft cruiser.

Development

The Kiev-class carriers were designed as a follow-on to the Moskva class (Project 1123 Kondor) ASW carriers. Initially, 3 carriers had been ordered by the Soviet Navy, (with Kiev being the third), however successful flight demonstrations by the Yak-36 VTOL aircraft created a shift in policy within the navy.

  • Article on the Kiev Class
  • Article in English from FAS
  • History of the Kiev
  • Project 1143 Kiev
  • MaritimeQuest Kiev Class Overview
  • History of soviet aircraft carrier development
  • Project 1143 Kiev
  • Project 11434 Baku/Admiral Gorshkov