Russian Pacific Fleet Stealth Multirole Corvette From Vladivostok To Java Sea
Sailing 5,650 kilometers or around 3,510 nautical miles from Vladivostok, a detachment of warships from the Russian Pacific Fleet has arrived in the Sulawesi Sea, in order to take part in the 4th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2023 (5 - 8 June).
The two warships of the corvette type are RFS Sovershennyy 333 and RFS Gromkiy 335 - Steregushchiy class.
In addition to the Sulawesi Sea, on long-distance voyages, the two Steregushchiy class corvettes are reported to be crossing the Java Sea in multilateral joint training activities. RFS Sovershennyy 333 and RFS Gromkiy 335 were accompanied by the tanker RFS Pechenga on this voyage.
The Steregushchiy class is a new multirole corvette in the Russian Navy's arsenal. Steregushchiy class (Project 20380) was designed by Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau and built by JSC Severnaya Verf shipyard, Amur Shipbuilding Plant.
By the Russian Navy, the Steregushchiy class was prepared to replace the Grisha class corvette intended to replace.
In operation, the Steregushchiy class can be used in coastal patrol, escort and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. These corvettes can be engaged in anti-surface, counter-submarine, anti-aircraft warfare and destroy shore-based targets.
The first corvette in its class, RFS Steregushchiy 530, was laid down in December 2001 and the ship was launched in May 2006. RFS Steregushchiy began sea trials in November 2006, for commissioning on the Baltic Sea Fleet in November 2007.
A total of 14 Steregushchiy class corvettes are to be built for the Russian Navy, of which nine are in service and three are under construction.
Especially for RFS Sovershennyy 333 and RFS Gromkiy 335 who visited Indonesia, the two corvettes were built by Amur Shipyard, Komsomolsk in Amur, because both of them were specially prepared to operate the Pacific Fleet.
RFS Sovershennyy 333 was launched on 22 May 2015 and joined the Pacific Fleet on 20 July 2017. Meanwhile, RFS Gromkiy 335 is newer, launched on 28 July 2017 and officially joined the Pacific Fleet on 25 December 2018. This implies the age of the two corvettes is still very young.
From a design point of view, the Steregushchiy class corvettes incorporate a steel hull, a composite superstructure and a round bow. The corvette's hull is divided into nine watertight subdivisions.
The Steregushchiy class relies on a stealth design that significantly reduces the ship's radar detection. acoustic, infra-red, magnetic and visual signatures are also reduced by incorporating stealth technology into warship construction.
The Steregushchiy class has an overall length of 105 meters and a width of 13 meters. The full weight of the corvette is 2,100 tonnes. The corvette can cruise at a maximum speed of 27 knots.
The Steregushchiy class has a crew of 100 personnel, including a helicopter maintenance crew.
The Steregushchiy class features the Sigma combat information management system. This system collects information from radars and sensors and provides real-time situational awareness.
Sigma also enables corvettes to exchange intelligence with other naval units in the battle group.
Armament
The Steregushchiy class is armed with a combination of missile systems, including the Kh-35 anti-ship cruise missile and the 3M-54 Klub missile.
Two on-board Kashtan anti-aircraft systems provide a close air defense system against attacks by anti-ship missiles, aircraft and surface targets.
The main weapon mounted in front of the bow is the Arsenal A-190 caliber 100 mm naval gun. Two six-barreled 30 mm AK-630M CIWS automatic gun mounts were also installed on board for close air defense.
The AK-630M can fire up to 5,000 rounds per minute for a maximum range of 5,000 meters.
To deal with submarines, the Steregushchiy class is equipped with two quadruple torpedo tubes for the Paket-E/NK antitorpedo missile.
The Steregushchiy class Corvettes are powered by a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system.
The four 16D49 diesel engines develop a total power output of 23,320 hp and the four on-board diesel sets generate 2,520kW of electricity for ship lighting.
The propulsion system provides a maximum speed of 27 knots and a range of 4,000 miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots. Steregushchiy class has sailing endurance for 15 days.
Exports
In June 2011, United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) signed a contract with Russia's official arms exporter Rosoboronexport to supply two Tiger class corvettes for the Algerian Navy.
The Tiger class is the export variant of the Steregushchiy class corvettes.
From the wikipedia.og site, it was mentioned, although it did not continue, in 2007 the Indonesian Navy made an agreement in principle for the construction of four of these corvettes to replace the old Dutch-made Fatahillah class corvettes.
The first will be built in Spain and installed in St. Petersburg, opened the option of Indonesia's involvement in building further ships.