The Russian Navy celebrated two milestones this week with the commissioning of a new Steregushchiy-class corvette on December 25 and a new Ivan Gren-class landing ship two days before.
The commissioning ceremony for the overall ninth corvette in the class took place in Vladivostok, the home of the Russian Pacific Fleet.
The corvette ‘Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov’ is honoring the sailor of destroyer Bystry who died during a fire onboard the ship in 2010, after heroic efforts to prevent a blast in the engine room.
Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov was laid down in 2015 and entered the water in September 2019.
Also referred to as Project 20380 ships, the Steregushchiy corvettes are designed by the Almaz Central Marine Design bureau and displace 2,200 tons at full load. They are fitted with Redut vertical launch system cells, artillery systems and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. They also have a flight deck and hangar that can accommodate a Ka-27 helicopter.
The Russian defense ministry video below shows the corvette during its trials.
Prior to commissioning the corvette, the Russian Navy raised the St. Andrew’s flag on the second Project 11711 ship Pyotr Morgunov on December 23. The ship became part of the Northern Fleet, just like its predecessor, Ivan Gren. Both ships are designed to transport to main battle tanks and marines. Russian shipbuilder Yantar had to overcome a number of challenges with the ship class as they experienced maneuverability and engine reliability issues. The lead ship started construction in 2004 and entered service in 2018 after multiple trial runs.
