NATO classified the type as cruisers mainly due to their size and the presence of the Metel (SS-N-14 Silex) anti-ship missile system, capable of striking both submarines and surface vessels.

These ships were fitted as flagships with improved command, control and communications facilities.

These are dedicated ASW ships with significant anti-aircraft capability including both M-11 Shtorm and 9K33 Osa surface-to-air missiles.

The gas turbine engine was chosen instead of steam for greater efficiency and quietness, and because the main Soviet gas turbine plant had a long association with the Nikolayev shipyards.

The cruiser Azov was constructed as a trials ship for the S-300 missile system and was also fitted with the associated Top Dome Radar.