Gremyashchiy-class (Project 20385)

Project 20385, designated the Gremyashchiy class, is a Russian Navy development of the preceding Steregushchiy-class corvette. Designed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau, these multipurpose vessels were developed to complement existing corvette classes with ships capable of launching cruise missiles and sustaining longer missions through improved habitability. The lead vessel was laid down at the Severnaya Verf shipyard in 2011. While the original design specified German MTU diesel engines, sanctions resulting from the Russo-Ukrainian war halted these deliveries after the first two units. Consequently, the propulsion system was redesigned to use Russian-made Kolomna 1DDA-12000 diesel units. Following the initial pair built at Severnaya Verf, the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered four additional vessels to be constructed at the Amur Shipyard.

The Gremyashchiy class features a steel hull and composite superstructure with a bulbous bow and nine watertight subdivisions. Although the Russian Navy classifies the project as a guided missile corvette, NATO classifies the vessels as frigates due to their sensor suites and armament. The design incorporates a single integrated mainmast housing the Zaslon AESA naval radar system, replacing the separate masts found on the Project 20380 design. Weapon systems include a UKSK vertical launching system (VLS) located on the bow, capable of deploying Kalibr, Oniks, and Zircon missiles. For air defense, a Redut VLS is positioned at the stern. The ships are equipped with the Paket-NK system for anti-submarine and anti-torpedo defense and include a helipad and hangar to support a Kamov Ka-27 helicopter.

The Russian Navy plans to assign all six units of the class to the Pacific Fleet. The lead ship, Gremyashchiy, conducted sea trials in April 2019 and performed missile system testing in the White Sea in late 2019. The vessel entered active service in December 2020. The second ship, Provornyy, was delayed by severe fire damage sustained during construction in December 2021. Following repairs, Provornyy was re-launched in June 2024 with an estimated completion date of 2026. Four further vessels—Buiniy, Razumnyy, Bystriy, and Retiviy—are currently under construction at the Amur Shipyard, with anticipated service entries scheduled between 2027 and 2028.