The Russian Navy has stopped development on the Project 20386 stealth corvette program, according to a military-industrial complex source cited by TASS. In its current form, no further laying of Project 20386 corvettes is planned, and the schedule for their construction will be closed. Severnaya Verf and Amur Shipbuilding Plant will continue producing vessels within the existing 20380 and 20385 series, ensuring ongoing shipbuilding activity in several yards.
The source notes that the Daring corvette, which serves as the lead ship in this line, will be completed under the new project framework. The reported reason for shifting plans is said to be an exceptionally high level of innovation embedded in the hull, systems, and modular payload concept. Such a factor points to a strategic move to consolidate cutting-edge capabilities within a stabilized naval program.
Project 20386 was conceived as a modification of Project 20380, aimed at enabling combat operations against naval adversaries in both near and distant sea theaters. A distinguishing feature of 20386 involves the modular design of its weapon systems, allowing changes to mission profiles without lengthy hull modifications. That modular approach would have given crews greater flexibility in how the ship could be armed and supported during deployment.
Recent reporting confirms that the newest stealth corvette associated with Project 20386 was identified for redesign to address certain details and optimize performance ahead of any broader implementation. The broader implications for naval strategy include a move toward more adaptable, multi-mission platforms that can be tailored to evolving threats and mission requirements without rebuilding the hull from scratch.
These developments come amid a period of reevaluation in Russian naval construction as planners seek to balance innovation with production efficiency. The shift toward stabilizing a select set of shipbuilding programs while pursuing modular technology reflects a broader trend in modern fleets seeking to maximize capability while controlling cost and lead times. Observers note that while the focus may be on sustaining existing production lines at Severnaya Verf and Amur Shipbuilding Plant, the lessons learned from 20386 could influence future designs and upgrades across other classes.