The Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Gorshkov Makes a Long-Distance Sea Voyage with Advanced Hypersonic Capability
The frigate Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Gorshkov has entered combat service, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization of Russia’s navy. A Kremlin statement confirms that Vladimir Putin attended the ceremony, underscoring the strategic importance attached to this vessel. The event signaled the ship’s readiness to set out on a long-distance seagoing mission, a deployment that highlights Russia’s push to expand its power projection through advanced maritime platforms.
During the ceremony, Putin described the voyage as important and pointed out that this particular frigate carries the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile system, a weapon described by officials as unmatched elsewhere for sea-based strikes. The system, together with other cutting-edge weapons aboard the Gorshkov, embodies the country’s aim to equip its armed forces with high-end capabilities intended to deter threats and safeguard national interests. In a video message, he also commended the defense industry experts who developed and scaled Zircon for mass production and deployment in this class of ship. Putin emphasized the broader plan to continue strengthening Russia’s military potential and to introduce more advanced weapons and platforms designed to safeguard the nation’s security and strategic aims. He also expressed best wishes to the ship’s crew for their service to the homeland.
Following the president, defense minister Sergei Shoigu spoke, noting that the frigate has embarked on its voyage through the Atlantic and Indian Oceans as well as the Mediterranean. Shoigu outlined some of the ship’s tactical and technical attributes, highlighting its capacity to launch guided missiles and to execute decisive operations against sea and land targets. He stressed that the Zircon missiles are designed to withstand modern air defense and missile defense systems, citing flight speeds exceeding Mach 9 and a range surpassing a thousand kilometers. The minister indicated that the mission will focus on countering threats to Russia and contributing to regional peace and stability in cooperation with friendly states. Training exercises were announced to familiarize the crew with the Zircon system and long-range cruise missiles under varied conditions to ensure readiness in different scenarios.
Admiral Gorshkov’s commander, First Class Captain Igor Krokhmal, then provided the formal readiness report. He stated that the ship had completed the expedition preparation cycle and was loaded with ammunition for missiles, air defense systems, torpedo armament, and artillery for Zircon and Caliber complexes. The crew was deemed prepared to fulfill combat assignments, with the vessel’s systems and weapons ready for deployment as required.
President Putin concluded by offering his wishes for the crew, encapsulating a sentiment of resilience and dedication to their duties in service of the nation. Zircon represents a milestone as the world’s first domestically produced hypersonic cruise missile capable of maneuvering in flight, with official sources describing its potential to defeat multiple target categories at extended ranges. The Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Gorshkov, named after a prominent Soviet naval commander who played a key role in developing the nuclear missile fleet, is the lead ship of Project 22350. Constructed at the Northern Shipyard in St. Petersburg, it was launched in 2010 and subsequently underwent extensive modernization. Early commissioning figures show a partial readiness level at launch, with subsequent work completing over time, leading to its current status as a front-line platform.
Cost estimates for the frigate have varied in public discourse, with figures often cited around the 18-billion-ruble mark after adjustments and refits. Following a rigorous program of testing and incremental improvements, symbolic symbols of Russia’s naval tradition were renewed when the Andreevsky flag was hoisted in mid-2018, signifying the vessel’s formal entry into service. In addition to its artillery and anti-air capabilities, the ship is equipped with missile launchers and anti-submarine weapons. Air support is provided by an unmanned aerial vehicle and a Ka-27PL anti-submarine helicopter stationed at the stern, reflecting a multi-domain approach to maritime operations.
During its service history, the frigate has conducted notable voyages, including a broad-range deployment that traversed critical waterways such as the Suez and Panama Canals. In testing events, Zircon hypersonic missiles were launched from Admiral Gorshkov against surface targets on land, underscoring the platform’s evolving combat value. The ship carries its namesake honor for Sergei Gorshkov, a renowned naval commander who helped shape the Soviet Navy’s strategic forces during his career. This lineage reinforces the vessel’s symbolic role in Russia’s maritime strategy while underscoring its function as a modern, capable platform for a wide range of missions across seas and oceans for years to come.