The Russian Navy’s third Steregushchy-class (Project 20380) corvette, named Boyky, is scheduled to undergo state trials in March this year, Baltic Fleet spokesman captain 2nd class Vladimir Matveyev has confirmed.
Matveyev was earlier quoted by RIA Novosti in November 2012 as saying that the St Petersburg’s Severnaya Verf shipyard-built Boyky ship had successfully completed initial sea trials and validated capabilities of its main systems.
The 2,100t Boyky ship was supposed to undergo second-stage sea trials off the port of Baltiysk in the Kaliningrad Region, Russia, by the end of 2012.
Designed by Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau, the third Steregushchy-class frigate features stealth technology to reduce acoustic, infrared, magnetic and visual signatures.
Capable of supporting Kamov Ka-27 helicopter operations such as reconnaissance and anti-submarine missions for the navy, the 105m-long and 13m-wide Steregushchy-class multirole ships can cruise at a speed of 27k and accommodate 100 personnel, including helicopter maintenance crew.
Equipped with Sigma combat information management system, the corvettes are armed with Kh-35 anti-ship and 3M-54 Klub cruise missiles, Kashtan anti-aircraft systems, Arsenal A-190 100mm naval gun, 30mm six-barrelled AK-630M automatic guns and torpedo tubes.
Steregushchy, the first corvette of the class, is already in service with Russia’s Baltic Fleet, while the second ship, Soobrazitelny, joined the navy in 2011.
Unveiled at St Petersburg’s Severnaya Verf shipyard in May 2012, the fourth vessel Stoyky is set to enter service in November 2013, following a series of sea trials.
Around 30 Steregushchy-class ships are being considered for procurement by the country in a bid to safeguard oil and gas transportation routes in the Black and the Baltic seas, as well as protecting its coastal waters.
Image: Russian Navy’s Steregushchy-class ship in St Petersburg. Photo: courtesy of Tungsten.
