Gremyashchiy-class (Project 20385)

Summary

Description

The Gremyashchiy-class corvette, Russian designation Project 20385, represents a significant evolution of the Russian Navy's capabilities. Costing around $150 million each, these corvettes are an update to the Steregushchiy-class and were designed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau in Saint Petersburg. The first ship was laid down on May 26, 2011, with an official ceremony on February 1, 2012. Though classified as corvettes by Russia, their sensors and weapon systems are more akin to frigates, leading NATO to classify them as such.

The Gremyashchiy class serves as large multipurpose vessels, enhancing the capabilities of the Steregushchiy class. They are designed for higher endurance missions, with improved habitability and the ability to launch cruise missiles. Originally intended to use German MTU diesels for propulsion, sanctions from the Ukrainian conflict halted deliveries beyond the first two units, causing a shift to Russian-made 1DDA-12000 diesel units from Kolomna Works. The lead vessel, Gremyashchiy, underwent sea trials in late April 2019. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in October 2019 that Gremyashchiy would be equipped with the hypersonic 3M22 Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles.

Project 20385 differs from its predecessors with greater dimensions and displacement, featuring a steel hull and composite superstructure. The design includes a bulbous bow and nine watertight subdivisions. They are equipped with a UKSK VLS system of eight launchers for Kalibr, Oniks, or Zircon missiles, and a Redut VLS system with 16 launchers at the stern. The design also omits the aft mast above the helicopter hangar, instead integrating a single mainmast.

The lead ship, Gremyashchiy, commissioned into the Pacific Fleet in December 2020, is active, while Provornyy, severely damaged by fire in December 2021, is under reconstruction. Additional ships, including Buiniy, Razumnyy, Bystriy, and Retiviy, are under construction at the Amur Shipyard for the Pacific Fleet, with service entry between 2024 and 2028.

These guided missile corvettes have a displacement of 2,500 tons. The propulsion system consists of 2 shaft CODAD, with 4 Kolomna 16D49 diesels, enabling a speed of 27 knots. They have a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 14 knots. The corvettes can carry a complement of 100 crew members. For armament, they are equipped with a 100 mm A-190 Arsenal naval gun, 8 UKSK VLS cells, 16 VLS cells Redut, 2 AK-630M CIWS, 2 Paket-NK torpedo tubes, and 2 MTPU machine guns. They also have helipads and hangars for Kamov Ka-27 helicopters.

The primary operator of the Gremyashchiy-class is the Russian Navy, with the class succeeding the Steregushchiy class and preceding the Project 20386. As of 2023, there is one completed and active ship, with four more under construction.

Technical specifications