ABSTRACT
Although submarines remain the cornerstone of Soviet naval power, in recent years the numerical balance between Soviet surface and subsurface combatants has gradually shifted in favor of the former. The Soviet naval order of battle in 1965 was estimated at 410 submarines (including ballistic missile submarines) and 240 surface combatants. In recent years, the overall numerical distribution of major surface combatants among the Soviet Union's three European fleets has changed gradually in favor of the Northern Fleet. Individually, the new generation of Soviet surface combatants, including Kirov, Slava, Sovremennyy and Udaloy, are more spacious, with better crew accommodations and command and control and repair and maintenance areas. The recent classes of surface combatants, with their strong lines and "ominous" looks, continue the Soviet tradition of building aesthetically appealing warships. The Soviet antiship missiles and Soviet surface-to-air missiles deployed on major surface combatants are listed categorically.
