Russian defense industry teams are expanding the roster of Narwhal combat modules with added protection and have begun installing them on additional naval vessels. The update came through the Telegram channel of Uralvagonzavod, a Rostec subsidiary that regularly publicizes the latest modernization efforts in the navy. The Narwhal module is designed to improve survivability on small combatants and to integrate more capable firing and sensor systems for coastal patrols and fast attack craft. The effort also reflects ongoing work to harden platforms against a broader spectrum of threats while keeping crew workloads manageable through smarter integration with shipboard systems.
“Electromashina specialists are finishing work on equipping the next gunboat with the Narwhal module,” the message states. The Narwhal system is intended to increase the defensive envelope of compact warships, providing reinforced protection for critical compartments while maintaining reliable operation under maritime conditions. The project highlights improved assembly tolerances, better thermal stability, and streamlined integration with existing weapons and navigation aids on board. The initiative underscores a push to balance protection, weight, and performance across a growing family of small surface combatants.
It is noted that the newly developed module follows updated technical requirements, featuring a fresh silhouette, an upgraded control unit, and an enhanced computing module. The protective body has also been strengthened to resist damage and to safeguard the internal electronics against shocks and moisture. These changes aim to extend the module’s service life, reduce maintenance downtime, and improve the shipboard crew’s ability to respond quickly to evolving threats in littoral waters. The upgrade path emphasizes modularity, easier field maintenance, and smoother upgrades as new sensors and munitions become available, ensuring compatibility with a range of hull designs and propulsion layouts.
At the start of September, near Tanker and Tank Builder Day, Uralvagonzavod delivered a batch of modernized T-90M Proryv tanks to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Military analyst Yuri Knutov, director of the Air Defense Museum, noted that a notable benefit of these tanks is the deep placement of the ammunition niche, which lowers the risk of catastrophic detonation if armor is breached. This design choice enhances survivability on the battlefield and contributes to the overall resilience of the platform in heavy combat situations. The delivery illustrates a broader modernization program that couples advanced crew protection with improved fire control and mobility for heavy armor on varied terrains.
Earlier, ships of the Caspian Flotilla faced and repelled an attack by kamikaze naval drones, demonstrating the evolving threat landscape and the need for upgraded survivability and defense systems aboard border and coastal vessels. The experience underscores the importance of integrated defensive measures, including hardening of critical compartments, rapid-fire response options, and resilient communications networks that keep units coordinated under stress.