RF Azov (1134-BF) is coming soon!

Where endless steppe winds whip up waves across the olive-emerald surface of the Sea of Azov, and golden sandspits stretch into its shallow inlets, lies a land defined by its unique maritime character. The shallowest sea on Earth has served for centuries as a crossroads of civilizations and an arena for dramatic historical battles. On these shores, the ramparts of an ancient fortress still stand, bearing witness to both the Cossack Siege of Azov and the decisive campaigns of Peter the Great that reshaped the geopolitical balance of the South. This union of an unpredictable sea and an impregnable stronghold gave history a name that became a symbol of resilience and a freedom-loving spirit.

For centuries, naval traditions have cherished the memory of this name. It was etched into global maritime history by a sailing ship of the line that demonstrated exceptional skill at the Battle of Navarino, one of the greatest naval engagements of the Age of Sail. Over time, this legacy was passed to a new steel behemoth, destined to inherit the legendary name and carry it with dignity through the ocean storms.

Historical Background

RF Azov (1134-BF) is a Project 1134B-BF large anti-submarine ship that entered service with the Black Sea Fleet in 1975. Built at the 61 Communards Shipyard in Mykolaiv, she featured long endurance, excellent seaworthiness, and a robust hull equipped with advanced roll stabilizers designed for long oceanic deployments across all latitudes. A powerful twin-shaft gas turbine powerplant delivered rapid acceleration and agile maneuvering. Furthermore, the 1134B series set new standards of comfort for its time: on board, an air conditioning system and crew living conditions were comprehensively engineered for the first time.

The ship's chief historical distinction was its role as a unique experimental combat testing platform. To conduct trials, the vessel was built to a modified design: its stern section was engineered to integrate an experimental silo-based vertical launch SAM system. The design solutions developed aboard this ship later formed the backbone of the air defense systems for the largest guided-missile cruisers of the Soviet Navy. For a quarter of a century, the ship actively participated in exercises and represented the fleet during long-range deployments across the Mediterranean and Atlantic, serving as a vital technological bridge to a new generation of oceanic naval power.

Gameplay

Gameplay with this cruiser demands high skill from the commander, but in the right hands, it unlocks immense potential. Its optimal role in battle is providing fire support for allies from medium to long range. The automation of most defensive and select strike systems allows players to fully focus on tactical maneuvering, prioritizing targets, and delivering precise, massive strikes.

The cruiser's ace in the hole is its impressive strike arsenal. Outfitted with four slots for missile batteries and four for grenade launchers, it can deal devastating damage to enemies. Best of all, all mentioned weaponry is fully customizable—any slot can be swapped out with other available armaments to flexibly tailor the setup to your playstyle.

At the same time, the cruiser can hold its own when operating solo. Its layered defense system features the time-tested S-300A Fort SAM system and the manually guided Shtil-A multi-purpose missile, which is equally effective against both aircraft and enemy warships. Completing the defensive perimeter are the AK-100A (100 mm) autocannons—they automatically engage aerial and surface threats without distracting the commander from the battle.

Armament

1. Missile Battery (ASM) — Kh-35
2. Missile Battery (ASM) — Kh-35
3. Missile Battery (ASM) — Shtil-A 🔒
4. Grenade Launcher — RBU-12000 (300 mm)
5. Helicopter — Ka-58 Black Ghost
6. Autocannon — AK-100A (100 mm) 🔒
7. Air Defense — M-22 Uragan
8. Air Defense — Kashtan-M (30 mm)
9. Air Defense — S-300A Fort 🔒

Summary

The cruiser RF Azov (1134-BF) is an ideal choice for experienced commanders who know how to pick the perfect moment and arsenal for a decisive strike. At the same time, the ship is beginner-friendly: it will help newcomers master naval combat tactics, while its powerful layered air defense forgives many inevitable early mistakes. Finally, this cruiser will be a true gem in the collection of any enthusiast of classic Cold War-era warships.