Two more Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates are expected to be commissioned into the Russian Navy by 2020, and each will deploy a new surface-to-air missile (SAM)/anti-aircraft gun system.

The lead ship of the class, RFS Admiral Gorshkov (417) was laid down in early 2006 and launched in the autumn of 2010. She began trials in November 2014 and will be commissioned into the navy in late July.

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The second ship of the class, Admiral Kasatonov was launched in 2014. The third frigate, Admiral Golovko, should be launched this year. Both frigates will be outfitted with their weapons and electronic systems and will undergo extensive sea trials before joining the Northern Fleet.

The frigates are designed for long-range strikes; anti-submarine warfare and escort missions. The Admiral Gorshkov-class is also called Project 22350 by the Russians.

The new gun/missile system aboard the Gorshkovs will feature a new SAM system with several types of missiles, including a long-range missile, said Russia's Defense Minister and General of the Army Sergei Shoigu.

"The third thematic issue is devoted to developing an antiaircraft missile/artillery system and a long-distance antiaircraft missile. By late 2020, the Navy will receive two most advanced Project 22350 frigates armed with the Kalibr and Oniks modern strike complexes," said Gen. Shoigu.

"Air defense for these ships will be provided by a new antiaircraft missile/artillery system with several types of missiles."

Over 60 launches of Kalibr and Oniks have been made at the naval ranges of the Baltic and Northern Fleets, and also at the Kapustin Yar training range in the Astrakhan Region in south Russia. Trials of the new but as yet unidentified long-range antiaircraft missile are under way, said Gen. Shoigu.

"As a whole, the implementation of these two projects will help develop weapons with unique combat capabilities. The Defense Ministry expects these weapons to be delivered to troops soon," he revealed.

"Today we'll discuss the results of trials aboard the lead frigate 22350," Shoigu said.

The Gorshkov-class has a displacement of 4,500 tons and a speed of 29 knots. The ships are armed with Oniks (NATO reporting name: SS-N-26 Strobile) and Kalibr (SS-N-27 Sizzler) missiles, and the Poliment-Redut air defense missile system.

The gun/missile system on the Gorshkovs is the Palma/Palash anti-aircraft gun system armed with eight Sosna-R SAMs and two 30 mm six-barreled autocannons.

TagsAdmiral Gorshkov-class frigate, Russian Navy, Admiral Kasatonov, Admiral Golovko, Project 22350, General of the Army Sergei Shoigu