Admiral Sergei Gorshkov-class

Summary

Description

The Admiral Gorshkov class frigates serve as the latest surface combatants of the Russian Navy, with an emphasis on versatility and the use of stealth technology. Developed by the Severnoye Design Bureau, these ships are intended to perform a range of missions such as long-range strikes, anti-submarine warfare, and escort duties. The class originated under Project 22350 and aimed to succeed the older Neustrashimy and Krivak class frigates.

Severnaya Verf shipyard in Saint Petersburg is responsible for building these vessels, each costing approximately $250 million. As of August 2020, the Russian Navy planned for a fleet of 20–30 ships, ordering ten to be delivered by 2027, with the first ship, Admiral Gorshkov, commissioned on July 28, 2018. The initial design was approved in July 2003, with the Admiral Gorshkov laid down in February 2006. Delays, however, postponed its completion and commissioning.

The Admiral Gorshkov class frigates boast capabilities such as the Poliment-Redut air defense missile system, naval versions of the 5P-42 Filin electro-optic countermeasure system, and a robust armament. They initially included 16-cell Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) for Kalibr, Oniks, or Zircon cruise missiles. Subsequent vessels, like the Admiral Amelko and Admiral Chichagov, envisaged enhancements to 24 VLS cells, with consideration of increasing to 32 cells.

These frigates faced setbacks concerning propulsion, as their original Ukrainian-made gas turbines became unavailable following the Crimean crisis. Consequently, NPO Saturn was commissioned to create indigenous engines for future units, with delivery expected from 2020 onwards. State testing for these ships' air defense systems concluded in early 2019.

Plans for operational expansion include the classification of three ships each for the Northern and Pacific Fleets, two for the Black Sea Fleet, with intentions for further assignments as construction progresses. Additional designs under Project 22350M, also known as "Super Gorshkov", propose larger variants with more missile cells and greater displacement.

The design development of these advanced frigates, such as the "Super Gorshkov," continues with the proposal to lay down a lead vessel. As for the existing ships, the Russian Navy has expllored adapting the 3S14 Vertical launching systems to fire long-range anti-aircraft guided missiles, further extending the class's capabilities. The construction responsibility may expand to the Amur Shipyard in the future, a decision that could alleviate the production burden on Severnaya Verf and support the Pacific Fleet.

Technical specifications