Russia lays keel for sixth Project 22160 patrol ship

Russia’s Zelenodolsk Shipbuilding Plant named after Maksim Gorky is set to hold a keel-laying ceremony for the sixth Project 22160 patrol ship in the Republic of Tatarstan on January 13.

Project 22160 patrol ships are designed by the JSC Northern Design Bureau (St. Petersburg) for exclusive economic zone patrol and protection.

In addition to patrol duties, these ships are also capable of escorting and counter-piracy activity, performing search-and-rescue functions.

Lead ship in the class Vasily Bykov started construction in February 2014 and the other ships are at various stages of construction.

According to media reports, Project 22160 ships will be armed with Kalibr cruise missiles and will feture a telescopic hangar and helo deck with facilities for take-off and landing of the Ка-27 PS type 12-ton rescue helicopter.

According to the Russian defense ministry, the 1,700-ton ships have a complement of 80, can develop speeds of 30 knots and have a cruising range of 6,000 nautical miles.