Russian Navy: New Ships Milestones in December 2024
The Russian Navy has been actively expanding and modernizing its fleet amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This includes the commissioning of new vessels and the enhancement of existing ones. Notably, many of these ships are equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, which have been extensively utilized in the conflict in Ukraine. This article highlights several significant developments in the Russian Navy, including the addition of new corvettes, the commissioning of submarines, and the launch of advanced icebreakers.
New Additions to the Black Sea Fleet
On December 21, the Russian Navy welcomed the corvette Tucha into its ranks during a flag-raising ceremony in Kaspiysk. This vessel is part of the Karakurt-class, known for its missile capabilities. Although the ceremony took place in the Caspian Sea, Tucha is now officially part of the Black Sea Fleet. The presence of these new corvettes is crucial for the Russian Navy, especially considering the ongoing threat from Ukrainian cruise missiles and drones.
The Tucha was constructed at the “Zelenodol’skiy” Shipyard, with its keel laid down on February 26, 2019. This ship is the first Karakurt-class vessel built at this facility, as previous contracts were fulfilled by a subcontractor in Crimea. The Tucha was launched on June 30, 2023, and is now one of six Karakurt-class ships in service. The Russian Navy currently operates three in the Baltic Fleet, one in the Caspian Flotilla, and two in the Black Sea Fleet. However, the loss of the Tsiklon in a Ukrainian missile attack in May 2024 highlights the ongoing risks faced by these vessels. With nine more Karakurt-class ships under construction, the Russian Navy is clearly focused on strengthening its maritime capabilities.
Advancements in Submarine Technology
On December 27, the Russian Navy celebrated the commissioning of the Arkhangelsk, a nuclear-powered missile submarine, at the Sevmash shipyard. This submarine is the fourth unit of the Yasen-M class and represents a significant advancement in underwater warfare technology. The Arkhangelsk was laid down on March 19, 2015, and launched on November 29, 2023. It joins the Northern Fleet, enhancing Russia’s strategic capabilities in the Arctic and beyond.
The Yasen-M class submarines are designed to carry advanced weaponry, including the 3M22 Tsirkon hypersonic anti-ship missiles. They can also launch 3M54 anti-ship missiles and 3M14 cruise missiles from the Kalibr-PL system. The Arkhangelsk is the second Yasen-M submarine to join the Northern Fleet, following the Kazan. The Russian Navy is currently constructing additional submarines of this class, including the Perm, Ulyanovsk, Voronezh, and Vladivostok. These advancements in submarine technology reflect Russia’s commitment to maintaining a formidable underwater presence.
Launch of New Arctic Patrol Vessels
On December 25, the Russian Navy launched the Arctic patrol ship Nikolai Zubov at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. This vessel is the second of the Project 23550 class, designed for operations in the challenging Arctic environment. The Zubov will play a vital role in monitoring Arctic waters, detaining vessels for violations, and conducting search and rescue operations.
The Project 23550 vessels are equipped to operate in ice up to 1.7 meters thick, making them essential for Russia’s Arctic strategy. The first vessel of this class, Ivan Papanin, was launched in October 2019 and is currently undergoing trials. The Zubov is expected to be operational by 2026. These ships are designed with advanced technology, including a full displacement of 8,500 tons and a speed of 18 knots. Their armament includes a 76 mm automatic gun and various machine guns, along with the capability to transport helicopters and landing craft. The development of these Arctic patrol vessels underscores Russia’s focus on securing its interests in the increasingly important Arctic region.
The Russian Navy is undergoing significant modernization and expansion. The commissioning of new corvettes, submarines, and Arctic patrol vessels reflects a strategic focus on enhancing maritime capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. As these developments unfold, they will likely have implications for regional security and naval power dynamics.
