Russian Navy launches fourth Admiral Gorshkov class advanced frigate

Europe, News October 1, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

Russian Navy’s Severnaya Verf shipyard has officially launched the fourth Admiral Gorshkov class frigate, Admiral Isakov. The vessel has been constructed under the Project 22350 series. The Admiral Gorshkov class represents the most modern and versatile warships in the Russian fleet.

The latest frigate, measuring 135 meters in length and 16 meters in width, will fulfill a wide array of naval missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, maritime border patrol, and escort duties for amphibious task forces.

Admiral Isakov is expected to play a crucial role in securing Russia’s strategic interests in the Black Sea, as the vessel will be assigned to the Russian Black Sea Fleet upon entering service. Completion and delivery are anticipated by the end of the year.

The Admiral Isakov and other frigates in the Admiral Gorshkov class represent a significant shift towards a modernized Russian Navy, capable of operating far beyond the country’s coastal waters. Their versatility in handling multiple types of warfare, from anti-air and anti-ship to anti-submarine missions, makes them invaluable assets in both offensive and defensive operations.

As tensions in the region have risen in recent years, particularly with NATO members and other neighboring nations, the deployment of advanced vessels like Admiral Isakov is seen as a critical element in maintaining Russia’s maritime security.

Formidable armament

One of the standout features of Admiral Isakov is its advanced armament which has been designed to handle a broad spectrum of maritime threats. The frigate will be equipped with a 30mm naval gun, which provides essential firepower for surface engagements.

*^{Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov crew demonstrating a high coherence of actions during the training task. (Image Credit: TASS/videograb by IRIA)}*

For longer-range offensive capabilities, the ship will carry an arsenal of cruise missiles, including the Kalibr, Oniks, and Zircon anti-ship missiles, all known for their precision and destructive power. The Zircon missile is a hypersonic weapon capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 9, making it one of the fastest and most advanced anti-ship missiles in the world.

In addition to its armament, the Admiral Isakov is designed with a robust defensive suit. Surface-to-air missiles will be onboard to protect against aerial threats, while a 30mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) will serve as the ship’s last line of defense against incoming missiles or hostile aircraft. For anti-submarine warfare, the vessel will carry torpedoes designed to neutralize underwater threats. Two 14.5mm pedestal-mounted machine guns will also be installed for close-range defense.

The ship will be outfitted with cutting-edge electronics and sensor systems, providing enhanced situational awareness and combat capabilities. Its array of air and surface search radars will allow the frigate to detect and track potential threats at great distances, while fire control radars will guide the ship’s weapons systems to their targets with pinpoint accuracy.

A sonar system will enable the detection of underwater threats such as enemy submarines and mines, bolstering the vessel’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The ship’s combat management system will integrate all these elements into a seamless operational framework, allowing for quick and effective decision-making in high-pressure scenarios.

Additionally, the frigate will feature electro-optical sensors that provide an additional layer of surveillance and targeting support, especially in low-visibility conditions. To protect against hostile electronic warfare systems, Admiral Isakov will be equipped with an advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite, including countermeasures designed to disrupt or disable enemy attempts to target the vessel using electro-optical guidance systems.