Russian Frigate Carrying Hypersonic Missiles Starts Voyage to the Atlantic

The Russian Navy’s frigate Admiral Golovko, armed with Tsirkon hypersonic missiles, has embarked on its first long-distance deployment, the Northern Fleet’s press office reported.

The Admiral Golovko, a Project 22350 frigate, left the Severomorsk port alongside the sea tanker Vyazma, heading towards the Atlantic Ocean through the Barents Sea.

The mission, lasting several months, aims to bolster Russian naval presence in strategic areas and demonstrate the country’s maritime capabilities. Prior to departure, both crews underwent comprehensive training and inspection, with the Admiral Golovko having tested all its weaponry, including long-range precision missiles.

The Admiral Golovko is the third Project 22350 frigate and the second serial-produced vessel of its class, designed for operations in distant maritime zones. Accepted into service in December 2023, the frigate has completed various missions, including the Ocean 2024 exercises in Arctic waters, where it successfully launched Kalibr cruise missiles against a range of targets.