Russia Cancels Project 20386 Stealth Corvette Programme
The Merkuriy-class (Project 20386) multipurpose corvettes were developed by the Almaz Design Bureau as a follow-on variant to the Steregushchiy-class (Project 20380) pictured. (Photo: WRK)
Moscow has reportedly cancelled its Project 20386 stealth corvette programme, according to Russian state news agency TASS.
The news agency reported that a defence industry source said no more ships of the class would be laid down, and that the lead ship would be the only vessel of the type.
The lead ship, the source added, would not enter service in its current form but rather eventually enter service in a ‘modified form’.
Related Articles
Supplying F-16 jets to Ukraine won't win the war, but adds new causes of concern for Russia
British Army exploring tech lessons from Ukraine
US pushes Japan to provide 155mm ammo for Ukraine
The Merkuriy-class (Project 20386) multipurpose corvettes were developed by the Almaz Design Bureau as a follow-on variant to the Steregushchiy-class (Project 20380).
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Project 20386, while a follow-on to the Steregushchiy-class, features a fundamentally new superstructure made from polymeric composite materials.
The corvette's armament would have consisted of two four-cell 3S-24 inclined launchers with the Kh-35 Uran (SS-N-25 Switchblade) ASMs or containerised launchers for the Kalibr missiles.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Merkuriy Class (Project 20386)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
-
UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration
The Type 26 will also be fitted with the Sea Ceptor vertically launched air defence system that can fire CAMM missiles and a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system that can fire the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets and long-range anti-ship missiles.
-
Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026
While the first Joint Support Ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting, the second one is on schedule for launching next year.