The Russian Navy’s third Admiral Gorshkov-class or Project 22350 guided missile frigate, named Admiral Golovko, has started the second phase of its factory sea trials.

The trials will be conducted at the Russian Navy’s test site in the Baltic Sea. The tests are being conducted to assess and validate the operational performance of artillery, radio weapons, anti-aircraft missile weapon systems and their control systems as well as the ship’s communication equipment. This phase of trials will involve detailed inspection of the weapon systems of the frigate. All the tests will be under continuous observation and monitoring of the control center of the Russian Navy’s Main Command. On 26 November 2022, Admiral Golovko went to sea for the first time and started factory sea trials.

Admiral Golovko is a Admiral Gorshkov-class frigate of the Russian Navy. The Admiral Gorshkov class is the successor to the Neustrashimyy and Krivak-class frigates. Unlike their Soviet-era predecessors, the new ships are designed for multiple roles. They are to be capable to execute long-range strikes, conduct anti-submarine warfare and to carry out escort missions. 

Admiral Golovko was laid down on 1 February 2012, and launched on 22 May 2020 by Severnaya Verf in Saint Petersburg. She is scheduled to be commissioned in 2022. It was reported that Admiral Golovko would be the first Russian surface ship to be armed with Tsirkon hypersonic missiles. She was expected to be deployed with the Northern Fleet once commissioned.