Thanks GDL. Makes one wonder why it hasn’t replaced the MR-800 on other vessels such as the Slava and Kirov classes. It appears to be very common on large Russian surface combatants, even recent ones.

Were there any technical difficulties with this design reported, or is it simply lack of money?

Indeed one wonders. But maybe it was tech problem, perhaps money? I checked my Janes sources and the ‘TOP SAIL’ is actually the MR-600. I think the ‘FLAT SCREEN’ on the Kerch could be the MR-800, not 100% sure.
The MR-700 is apparently the early Fregat-series ‘TOP STEER’ unit which is fitted to two of the SLAVA class CGs and at least two of the KIROV class CGs. The first three SOVREMENNY class DDGs were also fitted with MR-700, but the rest have MR-760 ‘TOP PLATE’.

The SLAVA and KIROV classes have both ‘TOP PAIR’ and ‘TOP STEER’/’TOP PLATE’ sets fitted. The ‘TOP PAIR’ is the ‘TOP SAIL’ combined with the ‘BIG NET’. Both the KIROV and SLAVA classes play a larger anti-air role which is probably why they have a far more comprehensive surveillance radar suite.

Hope this helps, and doesn’t confuse you to bits….