Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, the Admiral Amelko will strengthen Russia’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific—amid ongoing tensions with NATO and regional powers.
The Russian Navy’s “Project 22350,” more widely known as the Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate, is the next logical step in Russia’s modernization program for their surface warfare fleet. These multi-role missile frigates are meant to enhance Russia’s blue-water capabilities, performing tasks ranging from anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to long-range strikes. Among this class, the Admiral Amelko stands out as the fifth vessel and the first to feature significant upgrades, including expanded missile capacity.
Launched on August 14 at the Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg, the Admiral Amelko is poised to join the Pacific Fleet by 2027 or 2028, bolstering Russia’s maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Named after Admiral Nikolai Amelko, a distinguished Soviet naval commander, this frigate embodies Russia’s push for indigenous naval technology amid geopolitical changes.
About Russia’s “Project 22350” Frigates
Project 22350 frigates were conceived in the early 2000s as a replacement for the aging Soviet-era vessels, such as the Neustrashimy and Krivak classes. The design, approved in 2003 by the Severnoye Design Bureau, aimed to create versatile warships capable of operating in distant seas and oceanic zones. Despite delays due to engine supply issues following the 2014 Crimea annexation—when Ukraine halted turbine deliveries—Russia developed domestic alternatives, ensuring the program’s continuity. With 10 ships in the class planned by 2027, these frigates are set to form the backbone of Russia’s surface fleet.
The development of Project 22350 began with the lead ship, the Admiral Gorshkov, laid down in 2006 and launched in 2018 after extensive trials. Subsequent vessels, including the Admiral Kasatonov (2020) and Admiral Golovko (2023), incorporated lessons from operational deployments, such as in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. The class has seen upgrades, like the integration of the Zircon hypersonic missile in 2023, enhancing strike capabilities against land and sea targets.
Project 22350’s Specs
- Year Introduced: 2018
- Number Built: 3 (10 projected in class)
- Length: 135 m
- Beam (width): 16 m
- Draft: 4.5 m
- Displacement: 4,500 tons and a full load of 5,400 tons
- Speed: 29.5 knots (34 mph)
- Range: 4,850 nmi (5580 mi) at 14 knots (16 mph)
- Endurance: 30 days
- Crew: 210 (including aviation personnel)
About the Admiral Amelko
The Admiral Amelko’s keel was laid on April 23, 2019, marking a shift to an upgraded variant. This evolution addresses modern threats, with increased vertical launch system (VLS) cells for greater firepower. The project faced hurdles, including sanctions that necessitated self-reliance in propulsion systems, now powered by the indigenous M55R combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) plant from NPO Saturn. These advancements position the Admiral Amelko as a more potent asset compared to its predecessors.
Design-wise, the frigate incorporates stealth features to reduce radar cross-section, making it harder to detect. It includes a helicopter deck and hangar for Ka-27, Ka-29, or Ka-31 helicopters, enabling ASW operations and reconnaissance. Advanced electronics, such as the Poliment phased-array radar and Sigma combat management system, provide superior situational awareness.
What sets the Admiral Amelko apart is its enhanced armament. It features 24 UKSK VLS cells for Kalibr cruise missiles, Oniks supersonic missiles, Zircon hypersonic weapons, and Otvet anti-submarine missiles—an increase from 16 on earlier ships. Additionally, 32 Redut VLS cells house surface-to-air missiles like the 9M96 series for air defense. Close-range protection comes from a 130mm A-192M naval gun, two Palash close-in weapon systems (CIWS) with 30mm rotary cannons, and Paket-NK torpedo tubes.
These capabilities allow the frigate to engage submarines, surface ships, aircraft, and land targets effectively. Electronic warfare (EW) suites and countermeasures like the 5P-42 Filin system further enhance survivability. In essence, the Admiral Amelko is a floating arsenal, optimized for power projection in contested waters.
What Is Russia Doing in the Indo-Pacific?
In the Russian Navy, Project 222350 frigates, like Admiral Amelko, are vital for fleet defense, amphibious support, and strike missions. Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, it will strengthen Russia’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific—amid ongoing tensions with NATO and regional powers. The class’s deployment in operations, such as Syria support, demonstrates its real-world utility,
Strategically, the Admiral Amelko’s upgrades reflect Russia’s adaptation to hypersonic warfare and multi-domain operations. As part of a broader modernization, it contributes to Russia’s A2/AD (anti-access/area denial) strategy, deterring adversaries in key theaters.
With its superior design and armament, the Admiral Amelko not only strengthens maritime defense but also underscores Russia’s commitment to naval innovation in a multipolar world.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Kuleshov Oleg.
