Russian corvette Stoykiy showcases naval prowess in Baltic drills
The Russian missile corvette Stoykiy (545) project 20380 recently conducted a series of advanced military exercises in the Baltic Sea, as reported by Bulgarian Military. During the planned training operation, the crew executed electronic missile launches using the Uran system and engaged in simulated attacks on air and sea targets.
The exercises took place in one of Europe's most strategic maritime regions, notes Bulgarian Military. This body of water is often referred to as NATO's inland sea due to the surrounding alliance member states, and it currently plays an important role, among other things, in security matters. Since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing war in Ukraine, military activity in the region has increased, the service recalls.
Russians mark their presence in the Baltic Sea
It also highlights that exercises like those conducted by Stoykiy demonstrate Russia's ability to project power near NATO borders, especially as they included a wide range of tasks, from combating simulated hostile ships to repelling air threats and practising electronic warfare. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that all objectives were achieved. Meanwhile, the Baltic Fleet's press office described the exercise as a comprehensive test of the corvette's multifunctionality.
During the operation, missile and artillery specialists aboard the corvette Stoykiy used the Uran system to simulate attacks on a group of enemy ships. The crew faced air defense challenges, neutralizing incoming air targets with artillery fire and anti-aircraft systems. The exercises also included electronic warfare measures, such as jamming, and training in ship survival, navigation through narrow channels, and countering underwater threats.
The Russian corvette Stoykiy (545) is one of the modern ships of the project 20380. The ship was launched in 2012 at the Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg and entered service in 2014. Project 20380, also known as "Steregushchiy," is a series of multi-purpose corvettes with low radar signature, designed for coastal defence, anti-submarine warfare, and convoy protection.
The hull of the Stoykiy is made from modern composite materials, which reduce its detectability by radar. The ship is 104 metres long and 13 metres wide, with a displacement of approximately 2,200 tonnes. It is powered by a CODAD diesel propulsion system, consisting of four 16D49 diesel engines, providing a maximum speed of about 50 km/h. The ship's operational range is approximately 7,400 kilometres.
The main armament of this ship consists of Kh-35 Uran anti-ship missiles, housed in two quad launchers, capable of destroying targets at distances of up to 260 kilometres. Air defence is based on the Redut system, which uses 9M96E missiles, similar to those used in S-400 systems, capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 40 kilometres.
The ship is also armed with a 100 mm A-190 naval gun, an AK-630M artillery system for close-range air threats, and Paket-NK torpedo launchers intended for combating submarines and opponent torpedoes. Stoykiy also has a landing pad and hangar for a Ka-27 helicopter, which enhances anti-submarine warfare capabilities and reconnaissance missions.
