Gepard-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Category | Frigate |
| Subtype | ASM frigate |
| Manufacturer | Zelenodolsk Plant Gorky |
| Year commissioned | 1982 |
| Approx. unit cost | $175 million - $350 million |
| Units | TATARSTAN, DAGESTAN |
| Current operators | 🇷🇺 Russia |
Description
The Gepard-class frigates, Project 11661, are designed as successors to the Koni-class frigates and Grisha and Parchim-class corvettes. The first unit, initially named Yastreb and later renamed Tatarstan, was laid down in 1991 at the Zelenodol'sk Zavod shipyard in Tatarstan. It launched in July 1993 and, after a delay due to financial constraints, was completed in July 2002, subsequently becoming the flagship of the Caspian Flotilla. The Gepard-class includes two other ships, with one, the Burevestnik, still under construction as of 2012.
The design of the Gepard-class focuses on multi-role capabilities in various sea conditions up to Sea State 5. The ships are built with a mix of steel in the hull and aluminium-magnesium alloys for the superstructure to incorporate elements of stealth technology. They are also equipped with fin stabilizers, twin rudders, and have the option to operate with gas turbines or diesel engines in a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion setup. The name 'Gepard' is derived from the Russian word for cheetah, reflecting the intended agility and speed of the vessels.
In terms of armament, the Gepards can be adapted based on customer requirements. They possess inclined quadruple launchers for anti-ship missiles and have the capability to integrate versatile missile systems such as the Club-N and Yakhont in Vertical Launching Systems (VLS), as well as the latest air-defense systems, including the Shtil-1.
The operational history of the Gepard-class includes notable actions such as the 2015 launch of cruise missiles by the Dagestan and other Russian vessels from the Caspian Flotilla at targets in Syria. The missiles traveled approximately 1,500 kilometers over Iran and Iraq to reach targets controlled by the Islamic State and the al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front.
Primarily built for export, the Gepard-class is marketed in three variants. The Gepard 3.9 version, which Vietnam operates, is tailored for independent and task force operations against various threats and includes the provision of maritime economic zone patrol and mine-laying capabilities. The Gepard 5.1 is an ocean-going patrol variant, while the Gepard 5.3 is equipped with a significant anti-ship missile arsenal and is designed for escort and patrol duties.
Vietnam serves as the main operator of the Gepard-class, having commissioned at least four frigates and considering the acquisition of additional units. Vietnamese acquisitions have included two Gepard 3.9-class frigates received in 2011, with more ordered subsequently in an anti-submarine configuration. Discussions on further orders have been affected by international sanctions against Russia.
Another prospective operator is Sri Lanka, which has entered negotiations for a Gepard 5.1 frigate. Approval for the purchase was given by the Sri Lankan cabinet in 2017. The Gepard-class serves as an important element in the naval capabilities of its operating countries and continues to be a focal point in Russia's naval export portfolio.
Technical specifications
| Gepard | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2090 tons |
| Range | 7000 km at 18 knots |
| Endurance | 20 days |
| Crew | 94 members |
| Width | 13.09 m (42.9 ft) |
| Length | 102.4 m (336.0 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 M3 gas turbines with a power of 29,920 hp - 2 propellers |
| Armament | 8 SS-N-25 + 1 SA-N-4 (20 missiles) + 1 76mm AK-176 gun + 4 30mm AK-230 guns + 4 533mm T/ASM |
| Maximum speed | 29 knots |