Project 20385 corvette “Provorny” is slated for transfer to the Russian Navy in 2025, according to information cited by TASS from a source within the shipbuilding sector. The announcement, if confirmed, would mark another milestone in Russia’s ongoing effort to expand and modernize its surface fleet with advanced coastal defense and strike capabilities. The plan reportedly places Provorny on a delivery timeline for the summer of next year, after repairs tied to a recent fire incident. The ship is expected to complete both factory and sea trials as part of the standard acceptance process before entering naval service. The source stressed that no official confirmation has been released by the Navy or the government, leaving the report in the realm of industry chatter until formal confirmation is issued. [Source: TASS]
Provorny has a history that underscores the challenges and resilience inherent in modern warship construction. A fire in December 2021 damaged several critical areas of the vessel under construction, including the upper deck, the wheelhouse of the main command center, and the integrated turret and mast structure. Such incidents inevitably require meticulous investigations, structural assessments, and careful revitalization of systems to ensure that the ship meets stringent safety and operational standards. The current trajectory suggests that engineering teams have addressed the consequences of the damage and have proceeded with refurbishment in preparation for final trials and handover. The broader context is that multiple units across the Navy’s surface fleet continue to progress along varied timelines as production and testing schedules adapt to lessons learned on the water and in the shop floor. [Source: TASS]
In parallel to Provorny’s anticipated delivery, high level statements from Kremlin leadership during naval ceremonies have highlighted ongoing expansion plans for the fleet. President Vladimir Putin, at flag-raising events for ships already in or nearing service, outlined a comprehensive program that envisions a sizable mix of new and modernized vessels entering service over the coming years. The plan includes several frigates, corvettes, and other vessel classes, all meant to bolster maritime presence and national defense capabilities. Observers note that such pledges align with Russia’s broader ambition to maintain a balanced and capable navy capable of operating across multiple domains. These statements reflect strategic intent rather than a fixed timetable, and actual delivery schedules will hinge on fiscal allocations, contractor performance, and testing outcomes. [Source: Kremlin / official remarks]
Beyond the surface fleet, the Navy has outlined a broader shipbuilding agenda that includes additional nuclear-powered submarines and other types of combat platforms. For instance, discussions surrounding the construction of nuclear-powered submarine cruisers and multi-purpose submarines—such as Borey-A and Yasen-M classes—are part of a long-term plan being advanced at shipyards like Severodvinsk. These ambitions illustrate a comprehensive propulsion and warfare modernization program that seeks to preserve strategic deterrence and expand regional maritime capabilities. As with surface ships, the realization of these plans depends on complex project management, supply chains, and testing cycles conducted over multiple years. [Source: Official briefings]
Earlier media coverage also noted conversations about leadership assignments within naval education and training institutions. Reports suggested that a senior naval officer could assume a prominent role at the Naval Academy in St. Petersburg, underscoring the intertwined priorities of fleet modernization and professional development for officers. Such developments reflect the continuous evolution of naval leadership as new classes of ships enter service and demand adept and knowledgeable crews to operate advanced systems effectively. [Source: RIA Novosti]