According to information published by Military Review on August 7, 2023, Project 21631 (Buyan M) corvette Naro-Fominsk is headed to the Baltic Sea for its testing phase. Constructed at the Gorky Zelenodolsk Shipyard, its transition to the next stage was celebrated with a ceremony.
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Russian Buyan M class corvette Naro Fominsk. (Picture source: Yaplakal)
This vessel, after departing Zelenodolsk, is now en route to Kronstadt via internal water channels. There, it will undergo essential sea and state trials before joining the 36th MRK brigade.
The brigade consists of the 1st Missile Boat Guards Division and the 106th Small Missile Ship Division. Baltiysk has readied all necessary infrastructure in anticipation of its arrival.
Launched into the water on December 9, 2022, the "Naro-Fominsk" was initially intended for the Black Sea Fleet. However, due to a noticeable increase in NATO's presence near Russia's western borders, it's been redirected to the Baltic.
A sister ship, the "Stavropol", is in its final stages, marking the culmination of this series. Notably, the Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation has hinted at a modernized MRK offering in the future.
Ships from the Buyan-M Project 21631 are essentially upgrades of the Buyan Project 21630, designed as versatile river-sea vessels. Their primary role is safeguarding the nation's economic zones, and they're equipped with the long-range "Kalibr-NK" missile system.
With a displacement of 949 tons, these ships have an impressive array of specifications, including a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 2500 nautical miles. They can operate autonomously for up to 10 days and accommodate a crew of 52, powered by a waterjet propulsion mechanism.
