Russia launches new Provornyy corvette after fire damage repairs
Russia is gradually attempting to modernize its naval fleet. One of the new types of ships is the Project 20385 corvette (Gremyashchiy class). The first one was launched in 2020, and the launch of the next one, named Provornyy, took place in June this year in St. Petersburg. What kind of ship is it, and what are its capabilities?
The press service of the Russian Ministry of National Defense announced the launch of the new ship, the Provornyy corvette. The ship was launched and docked at a location where finishing and equipping work will continue.
It is worth recalling that in December 2023, a fire broke out on the under-construction Russian ship Provornyy. The corvette was already near completion at the time, and the presence of weapon systems on board (though without ammunition) made the fire very intense and hard to control.
The situation was further complicated by the presence of numerous gas cylinders on and below the deck, used during welding work. The ship was so severely damaged that scrapping it was considered, but it was ultimately decided to repair the burned-out hull.
Project 20385 corvettes
The result of the work is a new corvette designed for the Pacific Fleet. The Provornyy corvette represents Project 20385, a development of the slightly older Project 20380. Russia plans to build six vessels of this type.
Although these ships are classified as corvettes due to their displacement of around 2,800 tonnes, because of their sensors and armament, NATO considers them equivalent to frigates. Ships of this type are 106 metres long and 13 metres wide and are equipped with, among other things, an AESA radar of the Zaslon type.
Besides a 100-mm gun and two 30-mm CIWS AK-630M systems, they are armed with two torpedo launchers, as well as one 8-cell VLS launcher from which Kalibr, Oniks, or Tsirkon missiles can be launched. A second 16-cell VLS launcher is intended for the air defence missiles of the S-350 system.
