Is a corvette actually a frigate in disguise?

Wars & Conflicts · Published 10 October 2026 · Updated 22 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Russian Gremyashchiy-class corvettes are so heavily armed and sensor-rich that NATO classifies them as frigates. Designed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau, these massive multipurpose vessels represent a high-stakes evolution in naval architecture, trading traditional layouts for advanced missile systems and integrated masts.

The Gremyashchiy-class, known in Russia as Project 20385, serves as an upgraded successor to the Steregushchiy-class. While the Russian Navy designates them as corvettes, their sophisticated sensor suites and heavy weaponry have led NATO to reclassify them as frigates. These vessels are notably larger and have a greater displacement than their predecessors, featuring a steel hull, a composite superstructure, and nine watertight subdivisions.

A significant shift in design is seen in their missile capabilities. Unlike the Steregushchiy-class ships—such as the Soobrazitelny, Boikiy, Sovershennyy, and Stoikiy—which utilize a Redut air defense VLS system with 12 bow launchers, the Gremyashchiy-class employs a UKSK VLS system. This system features eight launchers capable of deploying Kalibr, Oniks, or the hypersonic 3M22 Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles. To compensate, the Redut system with 16 launchers is positioned on the stern.

The project has faced significant geopolitical and technical hurdles. Originally designed to use German MTU diesels, sanctions following the Russo-Ukrainian war halted deliveries after the first two units, forcing the replacement of subsequent units with Russian-made 1DDA-12000 diesel units from Kolomna Works. Furthermore, construction has been uneven; for instance, the Provorny suffered severe fire damage in December 2021 while under construction at the Severnaya Verf yard, leading to a relaunch at the Northern Shipyard in June 2024.

All vessels in this class are destined for service in the Pacific Fleet. While an order for four additional units was announced for the Amur Shipyard in December 2020, their expected service entry dates have slipped by several years from the original 2024–2028 estimate.

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