The latest multipurpose corvette of project 20380, nicknamed “Sharp,” was built at the Amur Shipyard and is slated for delivery to the Russian Pacific Fleet in May 2023, according to reports from TASS. In naval industry circles, the transfer to the Pacific Fleet was expected to occur in the final days of May, following a series of delays during the acceptance process by the state commission. The ship’s handover to the fleet has faced several postponements as officials completed the final checks and confirmed readiness for service at sea.
In December 2022, United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) reported that the project 20380 corvette had entered the first phase of state trials. This milestone marked a significant step in validating the vessel’s systems and performance before the broader deployment commitments were finalized. The corvette, built at the Amur Shipyard, has a construction timeline that began with a keel-laying ceremony on July 1, 2016, and it was officially launched on July 1, 2021. The vessel’s armament package includes the Igla air defense and anti-ship capabilities, with a Redut air defense system, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and torpedo launchers. In addition, it features radar suites, electronic countermeasures, and a combination of artillery and anti-aircraft guns to enhance its protective and offensive reach.
Design studies and public briefings emphasize Sharp’s role within the Pacific Fleet as a versatile platform capable of performing coastal defense, search and rescue, and fleet protection missions across the vast expanse of the Far East waters. The project highlights a balanced blend of strike and defense capabilities, enabling rapid response to potential surface threats, as well as aerial incursions. Observers note that the ship’s systems have been updated to integrate current combat-management networks and sensor suites that are central to modern surface warfare roles in the region. The concluding phase of acceptance tests, followed by the formal handover, is expected to finalize the corvette’s assignment to the Pacific Fleet, aligning with strategic goals for enhanced regional presence and deterrence in the area. Markers from the defense sector indicate continued oversight and evaluation by both industry authorities and maritime command structures to ensure readiness for deployment and sustained operational reliability. Citations: TASS, USC releases, and industry disclosures.