Russia’s most modern frigate sails to Baltic Sea for final trials

Project 22350 Admiral Kasatonov, the latest frigate to join the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet, has passed through the Great Belt Strait as it sails for additional sea trials in the Baltic Sea.

This is the final stage of testing before Project 22350 will be handed over to the Russian Navy. 

The 135-meter frigates displace 5,000 tons and have a cruising range of over 4,000 nautical miles.

The frigate is equipped with anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles, a 130mm A-192M naval gun. It also feature the Poliment-Redut naval air defense system, which was reportedly one of the reasons behind the delay in the delivery of the lead ship in the class, and launchers for 16 Onyx or Kalibr anti-ship missiles. A Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopter is also expected to be embarked.

Sea trials have been underway since 20 November 2019. These trials included tests of the missile armament in the White Sea and the firing of a Kalibr cruise missile at a land-based target. 

Project 22350 is capable of reaching a speed of up to 29kts and have a total displacement of 4,500t. It can be equipped with P-800 Oniks, Kalibr and Poliment-Redut missiles.

The frigate is the second Project 22350 constructed by the Severnaya Shipyard which is a subsidiary of United Shipbuilding Corporation.