According to information published by the Russian MoD on April 18, 2024, the Russian Navy's latest addition, the Project 22800 (Karakurt class) corvette Burya, has successfully concluded its state trials, demonstrating operational readiness with its integrated 'Pantsir-M' air-defense artillery missile system.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link
Project 22800 corvette Burya. (Picture source: Russian MoD)
Burya is the second vessel of the Karakurt project to be equipped with the Pantsir-M system, which can target threats up to 20 kilometers away. Following these tests, the corvette will undertake her designated operational tasks at the Baltic Naval Base, which already hosts three advanced Karakurt-class vessels: "Mytishchi," "Sovietsk," and "Odintsovo."
The Karakurt-class vessels have substantially increased the strike power of the Russian Navy's strategic operational grouping in the Baltic Sea. The main armament of these corvettes includes battle-proven, high-precision Caliber cruise missiles that can hit targets up to 2,500 kilometers away.
There is potential for integration of the hypersonic "Zircon" missiles, which have a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The onboard Pantsir-M system provides additional firepower and enhances the survivability of individual ships and the fleet as a whole.
Burya is capable of destroying enemy missile destroyers, military bases, or airfields. She can operate independently or as part of a naval strike group. Besides its advanced missile weaponry, the corvette is equipped with a rapid-fire 76-mm automatic cannon, sophisticated control systems, electronic warfare equipment, and anti-diver measures. She also carries the "Orlan-10" reconnaissance drone.
The Karakurt-class project 22800 represents a series of multipurpose missile-artillery ships designed for coastal zone operations, developed without the need for extensive experimental designs, thereby accelerating their production. These vessels are capable of both defensive and offensive operations within their compact design, transforming them into strategic deterrence tools when needed.
The integrated Pantsir-M is a shipborne system, combining powerful artillery and multi-mode missile weaponry in a turret setup. This system can respond almost instantly to threats, capable of engaging all types of aerial targets, including anti-ship missiles and drones, up to 20 kilometers away and at altitudes up to 15 kilometers.
The Pantsir-M is armed with eight launchers for surface-to-air missiles, providing robust defensive capabilities for the corvette. A total of 18 Karakurt vessels are planned, with 16 currently constructed or laid down.
