New Project 20385 Corvette rises from the ashes in St. Petersburg
Russia is gradually trying to modernize its fleet. One of the new types of ships is the Project 20385 corvettes (Gremyashchiy type). 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 Russian Ministry of National Defense's press service announced the launch of the new ship. The Provornyy Corvette was launched and docked at a place where finishing and equipping work will continue.
It is worth recalling that in December 2022, a fire broke out on the under-construction Russian ship Provornyy Corvette. The Provornyy 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.
Numerous gas cylinders on and below the deck, used during welding work, further complicated the situation. 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 work results in a new corvette designed for the Pacific Fleet. The Provornyy Corvette represents Project 20385, a slightly older Project 20380 development. Russia plans to build six units of this type.
Although these ships are classified as corvettes due to their displacement of around 2,800 tons, because of their sensors and armament, NATO considers them equivalent to frigates. Ships of this type are 106 meters long and 13 meters 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 and 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.
