The Kirov class is a cruiser of Soviet origin. The name Kirov is a Western designation for the Project 1144 Orlan (Sea Eagle). The Kirov class is the largest missile cruiser ever developed. In Russia this type of ship is referred to as a heavy nuclear powered missile cruiser. Due to its size and displacement the Kirov class is sometimes referred to as a battlecruiser.

The Kirov class was the first Russian nuclear power surface warship. The size and displacement are enormous. Unlike World War 2 era cruisers large guns do not make up the main armament. The Kirov class is a cruiser riddled with various kinds of missiles. The majority of the missiles are mounted at the front deck. The forward superstructure houses the bridge, funnel, main mast and many sensors and systems. The rear superstructure has a smaller mast and various other sensors. The hangar and helicopter deck are at the rear.

The main armament of the Kirov class are the 20 P-700 Granit (SS-N-19) long range supersonic anti-ship missiles. Additionally a single 130mm AK-130 twin gun turret can be used against surface targets. The capable air defense systems include 12 vertical launchers for the long range Fort (SA-N-6) surface to air missiles. Short range air defense comprises of both Osa (SA-N-4) and Kinzhal (SA-N-11) SAM systems. Six CADS-N-1 CIWS systems are fitted. The various anti-submarine systems include a long range RBU-12000 and two smaller RBU-1000 mortar systems and two quintuple 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching various Type 53 torpedoes and SS-N-15 torpedo carrying missiles. The three Ka-27 helicopters can also be used for anti-submarine warfare.

The main mast houses the huge Top Pair long range 3D air search radar system with a range up to 200 nm. The rear mast houses the large Top Plate 3D air and surface search radar. Additionally a wide variety of fire control radars and optronic systems are fitted for the various SAM systems and guns. Countermeasures include two chaff launchers, a towed torpedo decoy and various ESM and ECM systems.

The Kirov class uses a combined nuclear and steam propulsion to power two shafts. The main power supply are two KN-3 nuclear reactors. Additionally there are two oil fired boilers and two gas turbines. This combination of propulsion systems provides a superheat capability with increased power. The maximum speed is 30 knots and its range is 14.000 nm at 30 knots.

A total of 5 Kirov class cruisers were to serve with the Soviet fleet. Three were commissioned from 1980 to 1988. The first of those three suffered a reactor incident in 1990 and has been decommissioned. The fourth of the class was finished in Russia after the breakup of the USSR and currently is only one Kirov class cruiser that serves with the Russian navy. There are plans for overhauling one of the two inactive ships, but funding may not be available. Construction of the fifth ship never started.