Admiral Sergei Gorshkov

The Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates are among Russia’s most important post-Soviet surface combatants. Project 22350 gives the navy a modern multi-role frigate with vertical-launch missiles, air-defense systems and anti-submarine capability. The class is significant because Russia has struggled to replace large Soviet-era surface ships with new blue-water combatants.

Admiral Gorshkov-class ships are often discussed because of their missile loadout relative to size. Vertical launchers allow Kalibr, Oniks and potentially Zircon-family weapons depending on configuration, while air-defense and ASW systems support escort missions. This makes the class a flexible but complex platform whose combat value depends on sensors, missiles and integration.

Project 22350’s service story is also an industrial story. Russia needs modern frigates, but production tempo, engines, electronics and sanctions-related constraints affect how quickly the navy can expand the class. That context is vital because a powerful design on paper matters less if only a limited number of ships are available.