Russia’s latest Project 22160 patrol vessel, Victor Veliky, has commenced essential sea trials in the Gulf of Finland. This ship, the newest member of the Project 22160 class, is anticipated to enhance the capabilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet upon the completion of its trials.

Photographs of the vessel’s departure were shared on February 12, 2025, by the “Ship in Art” community, featuring contributions from sailors based in St. Petersburg.

Constructed at Zelenodolsk Shipyard and laid down in 2016, Victor Veliky is the fifth ship in its class. Although it was launched in May 2024, the official transfer to the Russian Navy has been delayed. The initial expectation was for delivery by the end of 2024, but that deadline has now passed without fulfillment.

The ship is named after Viktor Ivanovich Veliky, a World War II hero and Captain First Rank, which adds to its significance within the Russian naval fleet.

To reach the Black Sea from the Gulf of Finland, Victor Veliky will navigate a series of internal waterways linking the Baltic Sea to Russia’s inland and southern seas.

From the Gulf of Finland, the vessel will proceed southward along the Neva River, passing through St. Petersburg and continuing onto the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This network of canals and rivers connects the Baltic Sea with the Caspian Sea, with the Volga River acting as the primary route for larger ships.

After navigating the Volga, the vessel will head south to join the Don River, which ultimately leads to the Sea of Azov. From there, it will enter the Kerch Strait, connecting the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea.

The extensive internal waterway system in Russia serves as a vital logistical corridor for vessels navigating between the northern and southern regions of the country, allowing them to avoid open sea travel in certain areas.

The Victor Veliky, a Project 22160 patrol ship, is part of a series of versatile vessels aimed at bolstering the operational capabilities of the Russian Navy across diverse environments. These ships are designed to undertake a broad spectrum of missions, including anti-piracy operations, surveillance, search and rescue, and the safeguarding of maritime borders.

As the fifth vessel in this class, the Victor Veliky is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support both offensive and defensive missions.

A notable aspect of the Project 22160 design is its modular structure, which enables the ship to be outfitted with various mission-specific modules tailored to meet operational requirements.

The vessel boasts an array of advanced radar, communication, and weapon systems, ensuring comprehensive operational coverage across multiple roles. Additionally, it features a combat information center (CIC) that consolidates data from various sensors, enhancing situational awareness for the crew.

The vessel features an advanced navigation and radar system, with the Fregat-M2EM radar being a key component for both surface and aerial surveillance. This system enables the ship to accurately track aerial and surface targets, which is essential for safeguarding Russian maritime interests and executing reconnaissance operations.

The radar is adept at detecting and monitoring a diverse range of objects, including small, high-speed targets, thereby ensuring the ship’s effectiveness in both peacetime and conflict scenarios.

The Victor Veliky is outfitted with an array of weaponry tailored to its operational requirements. For defensive measures, it is equipped with the Pantsir-M air defense system, which can intercept and neutralize various aerial threats, such as missiles, aircraft, and drones.

This system significantly bolsters the ship’s close-range defense against aerial attacks, enhancing its resilience in hostile situations. Furthermore, the vessel is capable of deploying anti-ship missiles, providing a formidable offensive capability in times of conflict.

The primary artillery on board is a 100mm A-190 naval gun, which is versatile enough to engage multiple target types, including surface vessels, coastal installations, and aerial threats. Its accuracy and rapid-fire functionality make it suitable for a variety of combat situations. Additionally, the Victor Veliky is armed with a selection of smaller caliber automatic guns for close-range defense, effectively targeting smaller threats like speedboats or drones.

The Victor Veliky utilizes a diesel-electric propulsion system, which enhances fuel efficiency and minimizes noise during operations. This technology enables the vessel to perform effectively across a range of scenarios, from coastal patrols to extended missions in open waters.

With an operational endurance of several weeks, the ship can remain at sea for prolonged periods without the necessity for frequent resupply, a vital attribute for conducting patrol and surveillance activities.

Designed with an emphasis on crew comfort and operational effectiveness, the ship includes modern living quarters that support the crew’s performance during long deployments.

The vessel can house up to 80 crew members, providing designated areas for specialists engaged in various mission-related functions. Additionally, it features facilities for training and meetings, which are crucial for ensuring operational preparedness and effective crew collaboration.

Regarding its surveillance and reconnaissance functions, the Victor Veliky is outfitted with an array of sensors and cameras, including infrared and electro-optical systems. These technologies are critical for identifying threats and monitoring maritime activity, particularly in low-visibility conditions or during nighttime operations.

The vessel is equipped with a helipad and a hangar, enabling the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or manned helicopters, which greatly enhance its surveillance capabilities and operational versatility.

Designed for adaptability, the Victor Veliky employs a modular framework that allows for reconfiguration to undertake diverse missions, ranging from anti-piracy initiatives to humanitarian aid.

It can accommodate additional mission-specific modules tailored for amphibious operations, environmental monitoring, or maritime law enforcement. These attributes render the Victor Veliky a significant asset for the Russian Navy, enabling it to undertake multiple roles while upholding a robust defense posture.

Equipped with state-of-the-art radar and weapon systems, along with its flexible design, the Victor Veliky is strategically positioned to be an essential component of Russia’s maritime security initiatives.

Its multi-functional capabilities and adaptability contribute to the Russian Navy’s modernization strategy, ensuring readiness to address a broad spectrum of challenges in various areas of naval warfare and international security.