As part of an official ceremony at the Severnaya Verf shipyard, belonging to the United Shipbuilding Corporation, the Russian Navy celebrated the launch of the frigate Admiral Amelko, the fifth unit of the new Admiral Gorshkov-class (also designated Project 22350). The ceremony was attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, who emphasized that the ship possesses “all combat capabilities” and is designed to operate both in near and distant maritime zones.
Intended to replace the aging Soviet-era Neustrashimy-class and Krivak-class frigates, the Admiral Gorshkov-class ships, also known as Project 22350, stand as the most advanced vessels of their type in service with the Russian Navy.
As of today, a total of three units are in service with the Northern Fleet, beginning with the class’s lead ship, Admiral Gorshkov, commissioned in 2018. This was followed by Admiral Kasatonov in July 2020 and Admiral Golovko in December 2023.
According to various reports, five additional frigates are currently under construction at different stages of progress, two of which have already been launched: Admiral Isakov, in September 2024, and the recently launched Admiral Amelko, whose construction began in April 2019. Both are intended for assignment to the Pacific Fleet.
With the launch of this new ship, the Severnaya Verf shipyard marks another milestone in this major naval construction program for the Russian Navy, which, nevertheless, has faced significant delays and setbacks.
In light of these issues, Russian naval design bureaus have been working on new upgrades for the class, particularly in air defense and anti-surface warfare systems, developments that would give rise to the Project 22350M class.
For example, the lead ship of the class, Admiral Gorshkov, has already been equipped with the capability to launch 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missiles. Additionally, other potential upgrades for the class include new vertical launch missile systems (VLS) based on the “Poliment-Redut” air defense system.
Returning to Admiral Amelko, the future frigate of the Pacific Fleet still requires significant superstructure work, which will include the installation of a new integrated mast as well as sensor, weapons, and other systems. It has not been reported, however, how many of the enhancements planned under Project 22350M will be incorporated into its hull.
Finally, looking ahead, in addition to the five ships currently under construction, the Russian Navy has two more frigates on order, Admiral Gromov and Vysotsky, which are projected to enter service by 2029.
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