The Russian Navy has officially commissioned three new combat vessels in ceremonies held on August 28 in the ports of Baltiysk and Makhachkala.
The move is seen as Moscow’s attempt to offset recent losses and maintain its ability to carry out long-range strikes against Ukraine.
+ Sweden develops large autonomous undersea vehicle in partnership with Saab
New ships in service
In Baltiysk, the following were commissioned:
- the patrol ship Viktor Velikiy, assigned to the Black Sea Fleet;
- the small missile ship Stavropol, joining the Baltic Fleet.
- In Makhachkala, the small missile ship Typhoon entered service.
With these additions, the Russian fleet maintains the capability to employ Kalibr cruise missiles, one of the main vectors used in strikes against Ukrainian targets since the start of the war.
Details of the vessels
Viktor Velikiy (Project 22160)
The fifth ship of the series, it was laid down in 2016 and launched in May 2024. After trials in 2025, it is ready for coastal defense and escort missions. It can carry a Ka-27PS helicopter and is equipped with an AK-176MA naval gun, machine guns, and Shtil-1 and Gibka air defense systems.
Stavropol (Project 21631, Buyan-M class)
The twelfth of the class, construction began in 2018 and it was launched in 2024. It is armed with an A-190 gun, AK-630M-2 “Duet” air defense system, machine guns, Gibka-R air defense, and Kalibr missiles capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometers away.
Typhoon (Project 22800, Karakurt class)
Laid down in 2019 and launched in 2024, it was designed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau. It features a modernized AK-176MA gun, two AK-630M systems, and Kalibr missile launchers, strengthening the fleet’s offensive power.
War context
On the same day as the Russian ceremony, Ukrainian military intelligence announced it had struck a Buyan-M class missile ship in the Sea of Azov, near occupied Crimea. The operation was reportedly carried out by Ukraine’s Directorate of Active Operations in conjunction with the Prymary (Ghosts) special unit.
The episode highlights the ongoing naval war between Kyiv and Moscow, in which Russia seeks to preserve its strike capability while Ukraine attempts to weaken its adversary’s maritime power.
Source and images: Russian Ministry of Defence | Telegram @mod_russia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
