The Kara class is classified as a cruiser because of the presence of the Metel (SS-N-14) anti-ship missile system that is capable of striking surface vessels and submarines like the Udaloy I class destroyer.

''The Kara class cruisers can be deployed along the coast of Actuslavia in case all of the Udaloy I and II of the APN, if happened to be deployed at that time.''