Gepard-class

The Gepard class, designated Project 11661, was designed as a successor to the Koni-class frigates and the Grisha and Parchim-class corvettes. The Zelenodolsk Plant Gorky began construction on the first unit, originally named Yastreb, in 1991. Following a suspension of fitting out due to funding shortages in the mid-1990s, the vessel was renamed Tatarstan and entered service in 2002 as the flagship of the Russian Caspian Flotilla.

The hull and superstructure are constructed of steel, with aluminum-magnesium alloys used in the upper sections to incorporate stealth technology. The vessels utilize fin stabilizers, twin rudders, and either CODOG or CODAD propulsion configurations. The class includes variants such as the Gepard 3.9 for multi-role combat, the Gepard 5.1 for ocean-going patrol, and the Gepard 5.3 for escort duties. Sensor systems consist of Mineral-ME radars for missile guidance, Pozitiv-ME1 3D active radars, and Laska fire control units. Sub-surface detection is provided by the MGK-335EM-03 sonar. Electronic warfare systems include Bell Shroud and Bell Squat units with Pk-16 decoy launchers.

Armament configurations vary by project and operator. Standard artillery includes the AK-176M naval gun and AK-630M close-in weapon systems. Missile systems include Kh-35 anti-ship launchers and UKSK vertical launching systems for Kalibr, Club-N, or Yakhont missiles. Air defense is provided by Osa-M, Sosna-R, or Shtil-1 missiles, with some variants utilizing the Palash/Palma-SU close-in weapon system. Anti-submarine capabilities include torpedo launchers and naval mines.

The Russian Navy operates the Tatarstan and Dagestan in the Caspian Flotilla. In October 2015, the Dagestan launched cruise missiles at targets in Syria. In November 2024, the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence attempted a strike on the Tatarstan and Dagestan at Kaspiysk Naval Base using modified light aircraft. While damage was claimed by Ukrainian sources, both vessels were reported active in 2025. The Vietnam People's Navy is the primary operator of the class, with four Gepard 3.9 frigates commissioned between 2011 and 2018. A proposed sale of a Gepard 5.1 to Sri Lanka in 2017 was not finalized.