Vasily Bykov-class patrol ship (Project 22160)

A Russian modular offshore patrol-ship class designed for maritime security and long endurance, but tested in the Black Sea as a lightly protected combatant facing missiles and uncrewed surface vessels.

Overview

The Vasily Bykov class, designated Project 22160, comprises large Russian Navy patrol ships variously described as offshore patrol vessels or corvettes. The class was conceived for territorial-water and exclusive-economic-zone patrol, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy missions, search and rescue, convoy protection and naval presence. Its design combines a helicopter deck, 60-day endurance and provision for containerized mission or weapon modules on a hull substantially lighter armed than a conventional combat corvette.

All completed ships initially entered Russian service in connection with the Black Sea Fleet, although later deployments extended beyond the Black Sea. Wartime employment shifted the class away from routine constabulary duties and into a contested littoral environment. Ships participated in Russia's operations against Ukraine, intercepted commercial shipping and became repeated targets of Ukrainian missiles and uncrewed surface vessels. The most consequential loss was Sergey Kotov, which Ukrainian military intelligence said was sunk by Magura V5 vessels on 5 March 2024; Russia acknowledged the attack but did not confirm the sinking, while the BBC could not independently verify the full extent of the damage.

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