Russian Navy Corvette Gremyashchiy Successfully Launches Kalibr Stealth Missile in Difficult Weather Conditions.

On October 24, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense released footage showcasing a significant live-fire missile exercise carried out by the corvette Gremyashchiy of the Russian Pacific Fleet. The corvette launched a high-precision Kalibr stealth cruise missile at a coastal target from the waters of Avacha Bay, located on Russia’s eastern coastline. Despite difficult meteorological conditions, including low visibility and rough sea states, the crew successfully executed the launch, underscoring both the resilience of the Gremyashchiy and the precision capabilities of the Kalibr system.
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The Russian Navy's corvette Gremyashchiy fires a Kalibr stealth missile in rough seas, with the missile emerging from the ship's deck in a plume of smoke, cutting through stormy skies. (Picture source: Russian MoD)

The Kalibr is a long-range stealth cruise missile designed for high-precision strikes against land, sea, and underwater targets. It can deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads, with a range that can extend up to 2,500 km, depending on the variant. The missile is known for its stealth characteristics and ability to fly at low altitudes, making it difficult to detect and intercept. It has become a core component of Russia’s naval strike arsenal and is deployed on various platforms, including surface ships, submarines, and coastal defense systems.

The Kalibr cruise missile incorporates stealth technology to enhance its survivability and effectiveness in combat. It features a low radar cross-section (RCS), designed to reduce its detectability by enemy radar. Additionally, the missile employs terrain-following flight, flying at very low altitudes to avoid radar detection and stay hidden from enemy defenses. This low-altitude flight profile, combined with its ability to fly long distances while staying under radar coverage, makes the Kalibr missile difficult to detect and intercept, significantly increasing its strike capability.

As of 2024, several Russian Navy surface ships and submarines can launch Kalibr cruise missiles, which provide a crucial long-range strike capability. Among the surface vessels, frigates play a key role. The Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) frigates, of which three ships are in service, are fitted with vertical launch systems (VLS) capable of firing Kalibr missiles. These vessels are primarily deployed in the Black Sea Fleet and are noted for their versatility in various operational theaters.

Additionally, the more modern Admiral Gorshkov-class (Project 22350) frigates, also numbering three ships in service, are among the most advanced warships in the Russian Navy. These vessels are equipped with various modern systems, including the Kalibr missile, and serve as multi-role platforms for anti-air, anti-ship, and land-attack operations.

In the corvette category, the Buyan-M class (Project 21631) and Karakurt-class (Project 22800) also possess Kalibr launch capabilities. The Buyan-M corvettes are small, versatile ships designed for coastal operations but are armed with long-range Kalibr missiles, with nine vessels in service as of 2024. The Karakurt-class has similarly been outfitted with Kalibr, with approximately eight ships operational or under construction, making them a potent force despite their smaller size.

The Russian Navy’s submarine fleet also plays a vital role in Kalibr missile deployments. The Kilo-class submarines (Project 636.3), often referred to as "Black Holes" due to their stealth, are armed with Kalibr missiles, and there are currently over 10 of these submarines in service across various fleets, including the Black Sea and Pacific Fleets. Furthermore, the Yasen-class nuclear submarines (Project 885), Russia’s most advanced attack submarines, also carry Kalibr missiles and have been steadily joining the fleet, with at least four operational as of 2024.

In summary, the Russian Navy has integrated Kalibr missiles into a wide array of platforms, including frigates, corvettes, and submarines, with dozens of vessels capable of launching these missiles, significantly boosting Russia's naval strike capability across all its fleets.

This planned exercise underscored the combat readiness of the Pacific Fleet, with the Gremyashchiy’s crew demonstrating the missile system’s effectiveness under challenging conditions. One of the notable aspects of this test was the launch of the Kalibr missile under difficult meteorological conditions, showcasing the weapon's reliability and the crew's ability to perform in adverse weather.

The Kalibr missile successfully hit its target at the Kura test site in Kamchatka Krai, achieving the objective at the estimated time. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the missile covered a flight distance of approximately 1,300 kilometers—highlighting its impressive range and precision capabilities.

A comprehensive defense network secured The missile firing area, involving a range of Pacific Fleet ships, vessels, and naval aviation aircraft. This coordination ensured the test was carried out safely and effectively, demonstrating the fleet’s operational capabilities in both surface and air defense roles. 

This test further solidifies the role of the Gremyashchiy and similar vessels in Russia’s defense strategy, showcasing the fleet's ability to project power over long distances and operate in diverse conditions. As tensions rise in the Pacific region, such tests serve as a reminder of Russia’s expanding capabilities in both precision strike and defensive operations.

The Russian Navy Pacific Fleet’s ongoing training and missile testing exercises underscore Russia’s focus on enhancing the operational readiness of its naval forces in this strategically important region.