Project 22160 (Bykov)

Project 22160, also known as the Bykov-class, is a series of large patrol ships designed for offshore patrol, search and rescue, anti-piracy, and environmental monitoring. These modular vessels are capable of carrying various mission-specific modules, including unmanned aerial vehicles and combat systems.

Designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau to secure Russia's exclusive economic zones and protect littoral waters, the lead ship of the class, Vasily Bykov, officially entered service with the Black Sea Fleet in December 2018. During the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, these patrol ships saw active combat, notably participating in the capture of Snake Island and performing blockade duties. However, the class faced severe survivability challenges against asymmetric threats, culminating in the sinking of the Sergey Kotov by Ukrainian naval drones in March 2024. Today, the remaining vessels continue to operate under heavy escort, with their combat record highlighting critical vulnerabilities in their air and point-defense systems.