Gepard-class frigate
The Gepard-class frigates, Russian designation Project 11661, is a Russian class of frigates that were intended as successors to the earlier s and, and corvettes. The first unit of the class, Yastreb, was laid down at the Zelenodol'sk Zavod shipyard at Tatarstan in 1991. She was launched in July 1993, after which she began fitting out; fitting was nearly completed by late 1995, when it was suspended due to lack of funds. Renamed Tatarstan, the ship was finally completed in July 2002, and became the flagship of the Caspian Flotilla. She has two sister ships, Albatross, and Burevestnik, which was still under construction.
Vietnam is the main operator of the class with its navy having commissioned 4 frigates - twice the size of Russia's Project 11661 inventory.
Design
These vessels are capable of employing their weapons systems in conditions up to Sea State 5. The hull and superstructure are constructed primarily of steel, with some aluminium-magnesium being used in the upper superstructure. They are equipped with fin stabilizers and twin rudders, and can use either gas turbines or diesel for propulsion in a diesel or gas|CODOG] configuration.Gepard is Russian for cheetah.
Service history
In October 2015, Dagestan, in company with three other Russian Navy ships serving with the Caspian Flotilla, launched cruise missiles at targets in Syria. The missiles flew nearly over Iran and Iraq and struck targets in Raqqa and Aleppo provinces as well as Idlib province. Peshmerga forces published a video allegedly depicting two cruise missiles mid-flight en route to Syria.On 6 November 2024, the Main [Directorate of Intelligence (Ukraine)|Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence] attempted to strike Tatarstan and Dagestan with modified Aeroprakt A-22 light sport aircraft while in berth at Kaspiysk Naval Base. Ukrainian sources claimed that both Tatarstan and Dagestan, as well as a Buyan-class corvette were damaged. However, both ships were reported active in 2025.
Export
The Gepard-class was designed from the outset as a lightweight, inexpensive export vessel. Russia offers three variants of the class to the market:- Gepard 3.9: designed to search, track and fight against surface, underwater and air enemy independently and within task force, plant mine fields, provide protection and patrol of maritime state border and exclusive economic zone, perform combat missions, patrol service. Powered by gas-turbine engines with CODOG configuration. Fitted with two inclined quadruple launchers for eight Kh-35 anti-ship missiles with alternative options to be featured with VLS systems such as UKSK and Shtil-1 air-defense system. Being the only exported variant with Vietnam being its first and only operator.
- Gepard 5.1: configured as an ocean-going patrol ship. Intended for patrolling territorial waters, helping in distress on the sea, environment protection, support to marine missions and flag demonstration in areas being of state interest. Can be featured with "heavier" weapons if necessary. Powered entirely by diesel engines with a two-shaft CODAD propulsion plant.
- Gepard 5.3: designed to search, track and fight against surface, underwater and air enemy independently and within task force, carry out convoy missions and patrol duty, guard maritime state border and economic zone. Featured with four quadruple launchers for sixteen Kh-35 anti-ship missiles. Powered by a two-shaft CODAD propulsion plant.
Vietnam