Russia Launches Fifth Gorshkov-Class Frigate Admiral Amelko, Announces Plans for More Warships

St. Petersburg, August 14, 2025 – Russia has launched its newest Project 22350 frigate, the Admiral Amelko, at the Severnaya (Northern) Shipyard in St. Petersburg, marking another step in the country’s ongoing naval modernization program. The vessel is the fifth Gorshkov-class frigate, the only line of ocean-going combat ships developed and built in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The keel of Admiral Amelko was laid in April 2019, and following the launch, the ship will now undergo outfitting and trials. According to the Russian Navy, the frigate is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2027.

A Modernized Variant

The Admiral Amelko is notable for being the first vessel of the class built in a modified configuration, strengthening its missile armament compared to earlier ships. While previous frigates carried 16 missile launch cells, the Amelko is fitted with 32-cell 3S-14 UKSK vertical launchers. These can accommodate a wide range of advanced Russian weapons, including:

• 3M55 Onyx supersonic anti-ship missiles

• 3M22 Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missiles

• 3M14 Kalibr land-attack cruise missiles

This makes the ship significantly more versatile and capable in long-range strike roles, as well as in anti-ship and anti-surface warfare.

Expansion of the Class

The launch of Admiral Amelko is part of a broader Russian effort to expand its fleet of modern surface combatants. Three more frigates of the same class are currently under construction at Severnaya Shipyard:

• Admiral Chichagov

• Admiral Yumashev

• Admiral Spiridonov

Although earlier reports suggested that Yumashev and Spiridonov would debut the upgraded design, the Amelko has taken the lead as the first modified unit.

Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Aleksandr Moiseev stated during the launch ceremony that the Navy intends to continue the program. “We plan to lay the keels of at least two ships of this class as early as 2026, i.e., next year,” he said, signaling an expansion of production despite economic and logistical challenges.

Project 22350M

Alongside the Gorshkov-class, the Russian Navy is working on the Project 22350M frigate, often described as a “Super Gorshkov.” This larger, heavier-armed vessel is intended to serve in the distant ocean zone, extending Russia’s blue-water naval capabilities.

Admiral Moiseev confirmed that the technical design phase is nearing completion and that construction could begin under the next state armament program. The 22350M ships are expected to displace around 7,000 tons, carry up to 48 or more missile cells, and field advanced air defense and strike systems, including the 3M22 Tsirkon hypersonic missile.

The program had faced delays due to funding shortages in 2020, but has since been revived as part of Russia’s effort to strengthen its ocean-going fleet.

Strategic Context

The Gorshkov-class frigates play a central role in Russia’s naval strategy. Designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau (SPKB) in St. Petersburg, these frigates combine anti-air, anti-ship, and land-attack capabilities in a single platform. Importantly, they are currently the only surface ships in Russian service integrated with the 3M22 Tsirkon hypersonic missile, giving them a unique strategic advantage.

Since the first of the class, the Admiral Gorshkov, entered service in 2018, the frigates have become the backbone of Russia’s modern surface fleet, filling the gap left by larger Soviet-era cruisers and destroyers that are now aging or retired.

The launch of the Admiral Amelko highlights Russia’s determination to sustain and expand its surface combatant fleet despite international sanctions and economic strain. With at least five Gorshkov-class ships afloat, three more under construction, and additional keels planned for 2026, the class is set to remain at the core of the Russian Navy’s modernization drive.

Coupled with the upcoming 22350M “Super Gorshkov” project, Moscow is signaling its intent to maintain a credible ocean-going fleet capable of projecting power, deploying advanced hypersonic weapons, and defending its maritime interests on the global stage.