Tallinn was the seventh ship of the Kara-class cruisers of the Soviet Navy.

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 SA-N-3 and SA-N-4 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.

From 13 to 17 December 1981, the ship visited Maputo and returned to the port of Victoria in the Seychelles.