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 Rastrub-B (SS-N-14) missiles, 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, pair of anti-aircraft missile systems of Osa (SA-N-4 Gecko) on the bow and stern of the ship and a pair of 76mm guns at the stern of the ship. 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 Krivak`s 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 (4,000 miles at 14kt).

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 Bezukoriznenny was laid down 12 July 1978 at the Zaliv Zavod, Kerch (yard No.15), launched 03 June 1979 , completed 29 December 1979 and was assigned to the Black Sea Fleet.

The frigate served in the 30th Surface Ship Division of the Black Sea Fleet.

01 August 1997 the frigate was transferred to the Ukrainian Navy, receiving the name of Nikolaev (hull number U133). But due to the poor state of the ship, Nikolaev never left Sevastopol.

29 November 2000 was decommissioned and scrapped there in 2001.