Russian Navy Discussions and Updates

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
The 11th Project 21631 Buyan-M korvet, Naro Forminsk, is on its way to the Baltic Sea for sea and state trials. After the test phase it will become eventually part of the Black Sea Fleet.


Satellite photos from yesterday show us that the Project 775 landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyk 012 has arrived on the dry dock north of the naval piers in Novorossiysk.
 
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Scott Elaurant

Well-Known Member
It now seems confirmed that the Ukrainian missile strike on Sevastopol dry dock on September 13 has effectively eliminated both the landing ship Kursk and the Kilo class submarine Rostov on Don. The damage on both looks irrepareable.

This reduces the number of modified Kilo SSKs that Russia has in the Black Sea from 4 to 3. It must also cast doubt on whether any further use can be made of the Sevastopol dry dock for repair or maintenance. It is proven within range of Ukrainian StormShadow/Scalp missiles. If Russian AA is unable to stop them, then any ship in the dock in future is equally vulnerable.
 

swerve

Super Moderator
Won't be usable until the ship & sub have been cleared out, anyway, & from the state of the sub, it may be a case of scrapping in situ.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
It now seems confirmed that the Ukrainian missile strike on Sevastopol dry dock on September 13 has effectively eliminated both the landing ship Kursk and the Kilo class submarine Rostov on Don. The damage on both looks irrepareable.

This reduces the number of modified Kilo SSKs that Russia has in the Black Sea from 4 to 3. It must also cast doubt on whether any further use can be made of the Sevastopol dry dock for repair or maintenance. It is proven within range of Ukrainian StormShadow/Scalp missiles. If Russian AA is unable to stop them, then any ship in the dock in future is equally vulnerable.
I think Russia can stop the missiles in principle. However they will have to dedicate considerable resources to doing so. The problem here isn't so much the drydock itself as the rest of Sevastopol'. The entire Black Sea Fleet is parked there. Russia will have to pull major assets to protect the area regardless. Of course the facility itself is now in bad shape. But it wasn't a very good repair yard historically (past ~20 years or so) so it's loss to Russian operations in the area isn't that great. In truth the Black Sea Fleet itself is rather small. Last but not least, according to the latest info from Alexander Shishkin, the Black Sea Fleet has 6 636.3 improved Varshavyanka subs. Granted he stopped publishing in July so that table is almost 3 months out of date, but I don't think 2 more subs disappeared since then. Or is there something I'm missing?
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

The 4th 20380 corvette for the Pacific Fleet has entered service. 6 more 20380/85 corvettes are contracted, and some are under construction. In general it looks like the plans for the Pacific Fleet are two have two brigades of coastal defense ships. One to operate out of Kamchatka to protect the submarines based there, one out of Vladivostok.


Factory sea trials for the Admiral Nakhmimov are currently planned for next year. There are persistent rumors that the intent is to retire Peter the Great once the Nakhimov returns to service. In principle this is logical. Russia's focus should be on the 22350 frigates, and their long-planned larger versions.


Russian ship engine repair company Novik has apparently been embezzling funds meant for ship repairs. Their general director, a former Russian Dumadeputy, Lyaschenko, has accused. He's living in Dubai so there's a good chance he won't see justice.


Two 22800 small missiles ships meant for the Pacific fleet have been launched. Note while the type aren't particularly impressive, they are meant to carry a navalized Pantsyr SAM, and UKSK cells. Considering the overall unimpressive state of the Russian Pacific Fleet they do bring value. Coupled with the 20380/85 family, and a handful of 22350s, this is likely the future of the Pacific Fleet.


In Turkey a floating dock meant for the Russian Baltic shipyard has been launched. I'm curious to see if they actually deliver it considering the on-going hostilities. The customer is Rosatomflot, indicating that this dock might have something to do with Russia's nuclear icebreakers. However they could also be acting as a middle-man for regular naval yards. Turkey still has a deal with Russia on nuclear power plants so it could be problematic for them to cancel.

 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
RATEP, the system's developer and a subsidiary of the Almaz-Antey defense concern, has unveiled an upgraded version of the Komar 3M47-03E naval missile system at the Interpolitex-2023 exhibition in Moscow.

The modernized Komar system is armed with Igla-S anti-aircraft guided missiles for targeting aerial threats up to altitudes of six kilometers. And in parallel, it also uses Ataka-guided missiles that can strike surface targets at similar distances. The Komar is designed for smaller sized ships that can not carry heavier air defense systems.

 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

The 4th 955A SLBM carrier, Emperor Alexander III and the 885M nuclear sub, the Krasnoyarsk, have entered service. Both ships are heading to the Pacific Fleet. The VMF is in an odd position where submarine construction is proceeding at a decent pace, while submarine overhauls are moving at a crawl. For context the 4th 885M has been launched recently. Coupled with the 22350 frigates, the 885Ms are the future of Russia's blue water capabilities.


The third 22350 frigate has entered service with the Northern Fleet. This one is with a domesticated powerplant. The type remains Russia's most relevant modern surface combatant. It carries a reasonable mix of offensive and defense weapons, and has the full spectrum of anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface weapons. These ships, alongside the 20380 corvette family are the real future of the VMF for the next 10-20 years.


The 8th 12700 mine trawler has entered service with the Baltic Fleet. Overall the construction program can be called successful but the ship itself has issues with it's anti-mine capabilities. It's still an improvement over Soviet-era trawlers of course. Initially the plan was to eventually create a larger version of this ship with a different anti-mine complex, but this has not been mentioned for a few years now. It's unclear if that's still the intent.


The 11th 21631 small missile ship has entered service. Note the value of these ships is questionable currently. While they are Kalibr carriers, Russia is currently using plenty of missiles in the war. Add to that the continued deployment of 22350 frigates, and 885M subs, and it's even more questionable. When the war ends and Russia has the ability to stockpile a high volume of missiles for a large initial volley they may become more relevant.


The 6th 636.3 submarine for the Pacfiic Fleet has been accepted for service. Note the type is badly dated at this point and while it's ability to fire Kalibrs is impressive, their overall value against an opponent like Japan or RoK is low, nevermind the USN.


The second project 677 sub has begun factory trials. It's unclear what the completed picture of this project looks like, it was changed several times.


The 4th overall, and 2nd for the Coast guard, project 23550 icebreaker patrol ships has been laid down. Given the significance of the future of the Northern Sea Passage, this program makes sense and the FSB Coast Guard is where the type properly belongs.


Russian sources are confirming that the modified 11711 landing ships will be able to carry either 4 Ka-52Ms or 7 Ka-27s. While a far cry from something like a Mistral, this will put them far ahead of anything else. For comparison the air group of a Kirov battlecruiser is 3 Ka-27s. Two baseline 11711s are currently in service. Two modified 11711s are being built for the Pacific Fleet. Allegedly two more are planned for the Black Sea Fleet. Undoubtedly they won't be able to join it until the war is over.


The Amur shipbuilding plant has received a license for building 22350 frigates. Note work will have to be done on the yard to make this possible, and there is yet no definite decision that this is going to happen. However, realistically speaking it's a necessity. The yard has currently successfully built a series of 20380 frigates, and is currently also working on some 22800 small missile ships.


Severnaya Verf' is getting a new floating dock to be built at Astrakhan' in sections and brought to St. Petersburg.


The VMF is experimenting with deploying small missile ships to Lake Ladoga. This is a relatively safe lake from which they could still fire their missiles but the entire exercise raises questions. Why not just build land based Kalibr trucks at this point? The treaty is effectively scrapped.


The Northern Fleet is losing their combined operational command status and being reduced to a regular fleet like the rest. Instead a newly reconstituted Leningrad MD will take over the broader functions.


The northern fleet has formed a new air corps. Note it appears to simply combine all existing units, rather then stand up any new formations. For fighters it appears to have the two regiments of Su-33s and MiG-29KRs. Note due to losses neither regiment is at their complete set of 24 jets, meaning these are really just squadrons. This is likely related to the above decision to change the status of the fleet.

 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
Update.

The 4th 955A SLBM carrier, Emperor Alexander III and the 885M nuclear sub, the Krasnoyarsk, have entered service. Both ships are heading to the Pacific Fleet. The VMF is in an odd position where submarine construction is proceeding at a decent pace, while submarine overhauls are moving at a crawl. For context the 4th 885M has been launched recently. Coupled with the 22350 frigates, the 885Ms are the future of Russia's blue water capabilities.


The third 22350 frigate has entered service with the Northern Fleet. This one is with a domesticated powerplant. The type remains Russia's most relevant modern surface combatant. It carries a reasonable mix of offensive and defense weapons, and has the full spectrum of anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface weapons. These ships, alongside the 20380 corvette family are the real future of the VMF for the next 10-20 years.


The 8th 12700 mine trawler has entered service with the Baltic Fleet. Overall the construction program can be called successful but the ship itself has issues with it's anti-mine capabilities. It's still an improvement over Soviet-era trawlers of course. Initially the plan was to eventually create a larger version of this ship with a different anti-mine complex, but this has not been mentioned for a few years now. It's unclear if that's still the intent.


The 11th 21631 small missile ship has entered service. Note the value of these ships is questionable currently. While they are Kalibr carriers, Russia is currently using plenty of missiles in the war. Add to that the continued deployment of 22350 frigates, and 885M subs, and it's even more questionable. When the war ends and Russia has the ability to stockpile a high volume of missiles for a large initial volley they may become more relevant.


The 6th 636.3 submarine for the Pacfiic Fleet has been accepted for service. Note the type is badly dated at this point and while it's ability to fire Kalibrs is impressive, their overall value against an opponent like Japan or RoK is low, nevermind the USN.


The second project 677 sub has begun factory trials. It's unclear what the completed picture of this project looks like, it was changed several times.


The 4th overall, and 2nd for the Coast guard, project 23550 icebreaker patrol ships has been laid down. Given the significance of the future of the Northern Sea Passage, this program makes sense and the FSB Coast Guard is where the type properly belongs.


Russian sources are confirming that the modified 11711 landing ships will be able to carry either 4 Ka-52Ms or 7 Ka-27s. While a far cry from something like a Mistral, this will put them far ahead of anything else. For comparison the air group of a Kirov battlecruiser is 3 Ka-27s. Two baseline 11711s are currently in service. Two modified 11711s are being built for the Pacific Fleet. Allegedly two more are planned for the Black Sea Fleet. Undoubtedly they won't be able to join it until the war is over.


The Amur shipbuilding plant has received a license for building 22350 frigates. Note work will have to be done on the yard to make this possible, and there is yet no definite decision that this is going to happen. However, realistically speaking it's a necessity. The yard has currently successfully built a series of 20380 frigates, and is currently also working on some 22800 small missile ships.


Severnaya Verf' is getting a new floating dock to be built at Astrakhan' in sections and brought to St. Petersburg.


The VMF is experimenting with deploying small missile ships to Lake Ladoga. This is a relatively safe lake from which they could still fire their missiles but the entire exercise raises questions. Why not just build land based Kalibr trucks at this point? The treaty is effectively scrapped.


The Northern Fleet is losing their combined operational command status and being reduced to a regular fleet like the rest. Instead a newly reconstituted Leningrad MD will take over the broader functions.


The northern fleet has formed a new air corps. Note it appears to simply combine all existing units, rather then stand up any new formations. For fighters it appears to have the two regiments of Su-33s and MiG-29KRs. Note due to losses neither regiment is at their complete set of 24 jets, meaning these are really just squadrons. This is likely related to the above decision to change the status of the fleet.

Thank you for sharing.
The overhaul and upgrade of the two Project 956 destroyers Burny and Nastoychivy, is it still ongoing?
And how about the construction of the Project 09851 submarine?
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Thank you for sharing.
The overhaul and upgrade of the two Project 956 destroyers Burny and Nastoychivy, is it still ongoing?
And how about the construction of the Project 09851 submarine?
I suspect all the 956's are done. Theoretically the overhaul is still ongoing but practically the type has no future. The 1155s will survive partially, some ships will get upgraded, but the 956 don't have an upgrade program.
 

Ananda

The Bunker Group

Naval news put an article on progress of new delivery for Russian Navy during 2023. For me what's interesting is Russian abilities to domesticate the compenents. Some already some time in progress (like replacing Ukrainian Gas Turbines with Russian ones). Other bit new, like replacing MTU Diesel with Russian ones (after Chinese ones turn out not satisfactory).

Seems this war do increase not only Russian MIC productivity, but also domestication.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Navy-korabel is back in action after a hiatus with updated charts on in service ships and under-construction ships. As always he's interested in blue-water capabilities primarily so the smallest ships he includes are the 20380 corvettes. He excludes all Soviet-era small anti-sub ships and small missile ships, and of course all trawlers. Main points of interest, Russia now has 3 22350 frigates in service all in the Northern Fleet, and a total of 10 20380 family corvettes, with one meant for the Black Sea Fleet, currently in the Mediterranean. Unclear if it will be able to actually join the intended fleet. There are also now 4 885 and 885M nuclear subs. Despite a slow start the VMF really is seeing a replacement of their Soviet-era warships, and even the losses in the Black Sea may be less significant in light of this.

 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
The Project 677 B-586 Kronstadt was laid down on 28 July 2005, and now om 31 January 2024 at last commissioned after delays because of modifications to its design.

Currently, Admiralty Shipyards is continuing construction of two more Project 677 Lada-class submarines. In December 2023, factory sea trials of the third Project 677 B-587
Velikiye Luki were completed. In June 2022, the keels of the fourth and fifth were laid: Vologda and Yaroslavl.


 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

Russia has launched the second project 23130 tanker Vasiliy Nikitin. The first, Akademik Panshin, is in service with the northern fleet. 2 more tankers of this kind have been laid down and a total of 5 are planned.


The BDK Olenegorskiy Gornyak has been repaired following damage from a Ukrainian strike and is back in service.


The 12th 12700 project trawler was laid down for the VMF. The type is being produced at a decent pace, but there's still no word on the issues with the design. The ship's main anti-mine unmanned submersible isn't very good, and the ship is relatively small for fleet operations. There were plans for a modified variant with a new unmanned submersible but things have been quiet for a while now.


Work is continuing on extending the range of the Oniks AShM. The current Oniks-M flies up to 800 kms on a high altitude trajectory, 300 kms on a combined trajectory (some high altitude high speed, some low altitude maneuvering).


The first serial, second Lada class submarine has entered service but it appears not all is well. Shortly after entering service officially it was promptly covered in construction rigging again. The head ship of the class, the St. Petersburg, is reportedly going to be withdrawn from service. To make things extra odd, the Kronshtadt, the second Lada, has had it's ship label replaced to read St. Petersburg. It's possible this is an attempt to disguise issues with the ship that's supposed to be in service.


The third serial (4th overall) 22350 frigate's launch has been pushed back from the first half of 2024 to the second. Delays are typical for Russian shipbuilding. Reportedly they're expecting this ship to launch in Q3 2024. This comes as news emerge of the United Engine-building Corporation has taken the producer of the reductor for the 22350 powerplant to court.


Commander of the VMF has been retired, and the commander of the Northern Fleet is the acting commander of the VMF. There have bee issues with VMF performance in the current conflict and it wouldn't surprise me if the issues of the Black Sea Fleet are part of the reasoning. Reportedly Vice Admiral Kabantsov, commander of the Primorskaya Flotilla from the Pacific Fleet is acting commander of the Northern Fleet.


If anyone is curious the latest tables from Shishkin are here for current ships and under construction ships. He only tracks blue water capable warships so no support vessels, or littorals.

 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
On 7 May two new vessels for the Black Sea Fleet were launched, a Project 22800 corvette and a Project 22160 OPV.
The last year we have seen that these two classes are quite vulnerable for missile and UAV-attacks. Project 22800 has at least the Pantsir-M air defence system on board, but maybe this is not the right moment for a 22160 vessel to be in the Black Sea.
 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

The first 22350 icebreaker patrol ship is starting trials. It's normal armament is a 76mm autocannon, some 12.7mm HMGs, and MANPADS. It does have the ability to operate both helos and UAS (with a separate hangar for the latter, similar to the 22160 patrol ships), and has a reserved space for a container module, again similar to the 22160. Lastly they can carry two Raptor patrols boats (Russian CB-90 clones), and a single hovercraft.


Production of the 21980 Grachonol small patrol boats is continuing. Their value is questionable.


Bastion-P coastal AShM setups have received new missiles with active seeker heads, turning them into LACM. I find this particularly silly, since now Russia has two missile complexes on the same truck chassis with different mechanisms and similar in size but incompatible munitions - Bastion and Iskander.


Russia is reportedly planning to lay down two Borey-AM SLBM trucks this year.


The fourth Yasen-M 885M, the Arkhangel'sk, has begun trials. Unlike surface warship production, Russia can produce nuclear submarines that are relatively modern and capable at a good pace. It was planned for induction this year, meaning it could theoretically have 0 delays, but I suspect first half of next year is more realistic.


The reconstruction of Severnaya Verf for project 22350M ships is reportedly frozen, after the contract was resigned twice due to delays and failures. No word on what this means for the program.


The same Severnaya has launched the Provorniy, a 20385 corvette where a fire destroyed much of the superstructure, while under construction. Apparently it's been rebuilt.


Work is proceeding on the second 20360M weapon transport. Given the continued deployment to Syria and Russian support of Khaftar in Libya, the VMF badly needs proper transports.


A new 23630 tanker has been laid down for the VMF.


The 810th MarBde is being turned into a division. Note this is a recognition of reality rather then a new step. The unit had reportedly bloated to over 11 000 service members during the current war.


Russian shipbuilders have completed a defectation process on the 22800 small missile ship Askold, that Ukraine damaged with a missile strike. The ship will be completed despite the damage.


Another 22800 nears completion at the Pella plant, Leningrad region.


Another 22800, the 12th and last 21631 Buyan-M, and the last of the 6 22160s have been launched in Tatarstan at the Zelenodol'sk factory.


Russia is testing umanned boats with a range of 250kms, a warhead of 250kgs, and combined inertial and satellite navigation.

 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
During the Russian Fleet-2024 exhibition on 20 June 2024, USC CEO Andrei Puchkov provided updates on the Project 1144.2 Admiral Nakhimov, now featuring the new universal naval firing system (UKSK) 3S14, which enables it to carry Kalibr, Oniks, or Zircon missiles. The vessel, which is undergoing extensive modernization at the Sevmash enterprise, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), is scheduled to commence sea trials in November 2024. Puchkov indicated that the sequence and timing of these tests align with the cruiser's overall repair schedule, with the first sea departure planned for November following the completion of all mooring tests.

Post-modernization, the cruiser will be equipped with a universal missile system 3S14 with 80 launch cells capable of deploying Kalibr, Oniks, and Zircon missiles. The 3S14 can also deploy 91RT2 anti-submarine guided missiles, with target designation provided by Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopters or the ship’s hydroacoustic station. It will also include the Pantsir-ME anti-aircraft missile and gun system, the Paket-NK anti-submarine and anti-torpedo system, and the Redut naval air defense missile system. The ship's short-range anti-missile defense will be enhanced by 4-6 Pantsir-M naval SAM-PKK systems with 16-24 target channels, equipped with high-speed 57E6M extended-range SAMs and highly maneuverable 19Ya6 SAMs for intercepting UAVs and repelling anti-ship missile attacks.

The ship is scheduled to become active again/return to the fleet in 2025.
 

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
The Vympel Shipyard of United Shipbuilding Corporation has recently launched the corvette of the Molniya class / Project 12418. The vessel, intended for the Russian Navy, has been renamed “Stupinets”. A second Project 12418 ship is also under construction

So from which i understand, these two ships were originally number two and three from a group of three Project 12421 vessels under construction for the Soviet/Russian Navy in the '90s. From these three only the first one was completed and delivered to the Russian Navy, later this ship was sold to Egypt.
Quite impressive that after some decades the shipyard can finish these ships.


 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Update.

Two more 955AM subs are supposed to be laid down this year.


The first 22350 icebreaker patrol vessel is undergoing sea trials. Two of these ships are ordered for the VMF and two for the FSB Coast Guard. While 4 shiny new icebreakers would be a substantial add for any actor, in general Russia already operates very many icebreakers including a fleet of nuclear powered ones. Of course these ones carry some armament, and have a module space for more.


The first 21180M icebreaker has been handed over to the VMF. It can be used not only to clear ice but to carry cargo to supply garrisons in the Arctic.


Russia has started trials of a new civilian hovercraft, the project 03660 Haska-10. However I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being a military project after all.


The 13th 12700 mine trawler has been laid down and the 9th launched. Initially there were plans for an upgraded version starting with the 10th ship but this hasn't been mentioned in a while suggesting that the VMF will simply continue to receive the current, flawed, variant.


Two project 22800 small missile ships in the Caspian. They arrived there this spring.


A early 22800 ship, the one without the Pantsyr, is carrying a Tor-M2KM module. The current war has seen these modules deployed on various ships, including the 22160 patrol boats. While theoretically this is modular armament it's interesting to note that it's not used from the spaces reserved for such armaments and instead gets mounted typically on the helo deck.


After a long and embarassing pause the VMF seems to finally be re-arming it's torpedo arsenal with something more modern. We have the Kazan' 885M carrying the new Fizik torpedo. In general the VMF has problems with certain areas of technology, and torpedos are one of them.


Russia is testing a new small air-launched torpedo, presumably meant for helos and maritime patrol planes. I have serious questions about what platforms would even carry it though. The "modernized" Il-38N are in single digits, last time we had a count. Maybe the Ka-27M will use it? Although the current war has forced for weapons to be adapted to platforms substantially faster.

.

Reportedly Russia will lease the project 971 nuclear sub Bratsk to India. Initially the sub was planned for upgrade for Russian service.


A contract has been signed for 4 more Grachonok patrol boats for the VMF.


At the Army-2024 forum Russia has presented several new unmanned boat types. It's unclear how close they are to production.


The new project 23700 rescue vessel is undergoing trials.


There is information coming out about an upgraded Oniks missile called the 3M86 with increased range, and a new TEL for it, on a domestic chassis from BAZ.


Turkey has built a floating doc for Russia's Atomflot and the doc is now being transported to Murmansk.


A new Russian machine gun module for various ships and boats. Armaments like this are key with the prevalence of Ukraine's unmanned boats.


The third 677 boat is continuing sea trials. The types' future remains murky as the head ship of the series is reportedly being withdrawn from service, and ships from the second onward are now designated 677M suggesting substantial changes.


The 4th 22350 frigate was launched. While construction remains slow, these are relatively capable and modern ships and are going to be the core of the VMF blue water capability among surface warships for many years to come.


During a recent visit by Patrushev to the Yantar' factory in Kaliningrad, we got footage of the series 2 11711 ships under construction and they appear to be substantially delayed. They were due for handover in '23 and '24 respectively, but one is still in pieces. The other one seems to be nearing launch.

 
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