Project 22800 missile corvette Taifun sent for sea trials by Russian shipyard.

According to information published by Paluba on September 9, 2024, the Zelenodolsk Shipyard named after A.M. Gorky has sent the Project 22800 small missile ship (MRK) Taifun for trials. The Taifun was launched on May 7, 2024, and has now been transferred to an external delivery base where it will undergo sea trials and state testing.
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Russian Karakurt-class corvette Taifun. (Picture source: Portnews)

The Karakurt-class corvettes (Project 22800) are small missile ships developed by Russia to enhance its coastal defense capabilities. These corvettes are designed primarily for anti-surface and limited anti-aircraft warfare, leveraging stealth, speed, and powerful missile systems to perform their missions effectively in green-water environments, particularly around Russia's littoral zones.

The Karakurt-class evolved as a more seaworthy alternative to the Buyan-M class, another Russian corvette class focused on littoral (close to shore) operations. Although the Buyan-M has performed well in riverine and coastal areas, its capabilities in rougher seas are limited. The Karakurt-class, therefore, was designed to address these shortcomings while maintaining the same level of firepower in a slightly larger platform that could better operate in open waters.

At 67 meters long and with a beam of 11 meters, Karakurt corvettes displace around 800 tons. Despite their small size, they are equipped with formidable weapon systems and advanced sensors. The stealthy design incorporates radar-absorbing materials and a low-profile superstructure to reduce the ship's radar cross-section, enhancing survivability in contested environments.

The Karakurt-class is armed with a variety of weapons to perform its primary role of coastal defense. The central feature of its offensive capability is the UKSK vertical launch system (VLS), which can carry Kalibr-NK land-attack cruise missiles or P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship missiles. The Kalibr missiles have a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, allowing these corvettes to engage distant land targets or large surface vessels. The Oniks missile, on the other hand, is optimized for anti-ship warfare and is a potent deterrent against larger naval vessels.

For defense, the ships are equipped with the Pantsir-M close-in weapon system (CIWS), which integrates surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and automatic cannons to engage aerial threats, such as incoming missiles or aircraft. Earlier ships of the class, such as the lead ship Mytishchi, were outfitted with the AK-630M CIWS before being upgraded to the Pantsir system. The main gun of the Karakurt is the 76.2mm AK-176MA naval cannon, capable of engaging both surface and air targets.