The Corvette project 20380, named Mercury, has become a new asset in the Russian Navy. This update comes from officials of the Defense Ministry and related naval authorities who confirmed the transfer and described the vessel as a modern addition to Russia’s maritime forces.
A formal flag-raising ceremony featured the St. Andrew’s flag aboard Mercury, marking its ceremonial integration at Baltiysk in the Kaliningrad region. Baltiysk serves as a key base on the Baltic coast, providing a strategic position for the ship’s first steps in active service and signaling the Navy’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the western sea lanes of the nation.
Leading the event were high-ranking figures, including the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Nikolai Evmenov, and the Governor of the Kaliningrad Region, Anton Alikhanov. Representatives from both the Baltic Fleet and the Black Sea Fleet, along with other naval officials, attended the ceremony to witness the new Corvette joining Russia’s blue-water capabilities. The presence of these leaders underscored the significance placed on Mercury as a symbol of ongoing naval modernization.
Admiral Evmenov emphasized Mercury’s features, noting its combination of solid seaworthiness with contemporary combat capabilities. The vessel is described as a versatile platform capable of operating effectively in varied maritime environments, a trait that enhances Russia’s reach across littoral zones and open seas alike. The Admiral highlighted that Mercury contributes to safeguarding the country’s national interests at sea and across oceanic theaters, aligning with broader strategic goals for deterrence, patrol, and rapid response in maritime zones important to national security.
Officials have pointed to Mercury as part of a broader program to modernize the fleet with a mix of new construction and upgraded designs. The ship’s presence strengthens the Navy’s ability to project power, defend critical sea routes, and participate in joint operations with allied forces where applicable. The corvette’s expected performance and endurance in long-distance missions are among the attributes cited by defense planners as central to sustaining regional influence and ensuring maritime security along Russia’s western flank.
In related developments, the Pacific Fleet is anticipated to receive another corvette, codenamed Sharp, later in the year. A transfer was previously discussed for the summer period preceding Navy Day, with senior officials visiting production yards to oversee construction progress and ensure timely delivery of new ships to the fleet. The Amur Shipbuilding Factory, a key production site, has hosted such visits to review build quality, systems integration, and testing schedules that align with naval modernization timelines. These steps illustrate a continuous effort to refresh capital ships, expand operational capabilities, and maintain strategic readiness across all naval districts. [Source: Defense Ministry announcements; Navy command statements]