Russia has unveiled a new symbol of maritime power, touted as the "Sea Monster": the frigate Admiral Amelko, capable of carrying hypersonic missiles. Part of the Russian Navy’s Project 22350, the Gorshkov-class frigate’s launch is a key component of Russia’s ambitious $100 billion plan to modernise its navy. Pro-Russian military commentators are referring to it as the Sea Terminator. The warship boasts cutting-edge weaponry and strategic significance as Russia aims to establish naval dominance by 2050. Here is what you should know:<h2>Admiral Amelko is equipped with the Zircon hypersonic missile</h2>Admiral Amelko can carry advanced missile systems such as the 3M22 Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic cruise missile. Zircon, according to reports, represents a major leap in missile technology, with speeds reaching between Mach 8 and 9 (approximately 6,100–7,000 mph).&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/exclusive-russia-tests-space-rover-on-north-polar-ice-sheet-1755590879202">Exclusive: Russia tests space rover on North Polar ice sheet</a>The missile can strike targets up to 1,500 km away on both land and sea. Zircon’s plasma stealth technology makes it difficult to detect during flight. Its high velocity and manoeuvrability present a serious challenge to traditional naval defence systems.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-navy-s-project-22350-frigate-admiral-amelko-launched-1756140264864/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-navy-s-project-22350-frigate-admiral-amelko-launched-1756140264864/embed</a><h2>Admiral Amelko joins other formidable ships</h2>Admiral Amelko joins Russia’s growing naval fleet, alongside ships like the Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko, which have also carried and tested Zircon missiles. These multi-role combatant frigates are designed to challenge Western naval dominance, particularly in contested regions such as the Arctic, the Black Sea, and the Pacific.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-heart-of-the-matter-ukrainian-engines-drove-ins-tamal-to-india-not-russia-1751524543700">The heart of the matter: Ukrainian engines drove INS Tamal to India, not Russia</a><h2>Russian Navy revival and modernisation: What Putin wants</h2>The launch of Admiral Amelko is part of President Vladimir Putin’s vision for expanding and modernising the Russian Navy. In April 2025, he announced a $100.8 billion investment programme to support this goal. Planned developments include the construction of new warships, strategic nuclear submarines like the Borei-A and Yasen-M classes, and the integration of hypersonic, robotic, and unmanned systems.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-drones-blows-up-russian-ship-carrying-iranian-uav-parts-hits-oil-refinery-ahead-of-trump-putin-meet-1755248142166">Ukrainian drones blow up Russian ship carrying Iranian UAV parts, hit oil refinery ahead of Trump-Putin meet</a>Over the past five years, Russia has launched nearly 50 vessels, including advanced submarines capable of carrying hypersonic weapons.This naval expansion is seen as a strategic effort—not only for deterrence and defence—but also to project influence in global hotspots and maintain control over critical maritime routes

<h2>Russian Navy revival and modernisation: What Putin wants</h2>The launch of Admiral Amelko is part of President Vladimir Putin’s vision for expanding and modernising the Russian Navy. In April 2025, he announced a $100.8 billion investment programme to support this goal. Planned developments include the construction of new warships, strategic nuclear submarines like the Borei-A and Yasen-M classes, and the integration of hypersonic, robotic, and unmanned systems.Over the past five years, Russia has launched nearly 50 vessels, including advanced submarines capable of carrying hypersonic weapons.This naval expansion is seen as a strategic effort—not only for deterrence and defence—but also to project influence in global hotspots and maintain control over critical maritime routes

Russia has deployed the frigate Admiral Amelko, armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, as part of a $100bn naval expansion. Dubbed the "Sea Terminator" by commentators, the ship signals Moscow’s push for maritime dominance. Here is what you should know 

Russia has unveiled a new symbol of maritime power, touted as the "Sea Monster": the frigate Admiral Amelko, capable of carrying hypersonic missiles. Part of the Russian Navy’s Project 22350, the Gorshkov-class frigate’s launch is a key component of Russia’s ambitious $100 billion plan to modernise its navy. Pro-Russian military commentators are referring to it as the Sea Terminator. The warship boasts cutting-edge weaponry and strategic significance as Russia aims to establish naval dominance by 2050. Here is what you should know: Admiral Amelko is equipped with the Zircon hypersonic missile Admiral Amelko can carry advanced missile systems such as the 3M22 Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic cruise missile. Zircon, according to reports, represents a major leap in missile technology, with speeds reaching between Mach 8 and 9 (approximately 6,100–7,000 mph). Also read: Exclusive: Russia tests space rover on North Polar ice sheet The missile can strike targets up to 1,500 km away on both land and sea. Zircon’s plasma stealth technology makes it difficult to detect during flight. Its high velocity and manoeuvrability present a serious challenge to traditional naval defence systems. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-navy-s-project-22350-frigate-admiral-amelko-launched-1756140264864/embed Admiral Amelko joins other formidable ships Admiral Amelko joins Russia’s growing naval fleet, alongside ships like the Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko, which have also carried and tested Zircon missiles. These multi-role combatant frigates are designed to challenge Western naval dominance, particularly in contested regions such as the Arctic, the Black Sea, and the Pacific. Also read: The heart of the matter: Ukrainian engines drove INS Tamal to India, not Russia Russian Navy revival and modernisation: What Putin wants The launch of Admiral Amelko is part of President Vladimir Putin’s vision for expanding and modernising the Russian Navy. In April 2025, he announced a $100.8 billion investment programme to support this goal. Planned developments include the construction of new warships, strategic nuclear submarines like the Borei-A and Yasen-M classes, and the integration of hypersonic, robotic, and unmanned systems. Also read: Ukrainian drones blow up Russian ship carrying Iranian UAV parts, hit oil refinery ahead of Trump-Putin meet Over the past five years, Russia has launched nearly 50 vessels, including advanced submarines capable of carrying hypersonic weapons. This naval expansion is seen as a strategic effort—not only for deterrence and defence—but also to project influence in global hotspots and maintain control over critical maritime routes

This story is about: Russia has deployed the frigate Admiral Amelko, armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, as part of a $100bn naval expansion. Dubbed the "Sea Terminator" by commentators, the ship signals Moscow’s push for maritime dominance. Here is what you should know&nbsp;

Sea Monster? Russian warship armed with hypersonic missiles launched as Moscow embarks on $100 bn Navy expansion to face rivals in the seas

Two Russian vessels left Jeddah on Thursday after making the first port call by the Russian navy in a Saudi port for a decade, Russian officials said.

The frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the tanker Kama arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday and left less than 24 hours later after a "long arranged" visit, a Russian embassy official in Riyadh told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Russia's defence ministry said on its website that the port call was the first by a Russian warship for about 10 years.

The two ships took on food and drinking water in the Red Sea port, the ministry said. A 'cultural programme'&nbsp;was also scheduled for the crew, it added.

The Admiral Gorshkov, which is armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, and the Kama were part of a group of Russian Northern Fleet vessels that left in January and has taken part in two exercises, in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. One of the exercises was with China and South Africa.

Saudi Arabia has taken a conciliatory stance over Russia's invasion of Ukraine by calling for a political solution.

Russia has worked closely with the kingdom and other members of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) in efforts to manage the oil markets.

Earlier this month, OPEC and its allies cut production by more than one million barrels per day in a surprise move that sent prices soaring and drew criticism from the United States.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Two Russian vessels left Jeddah on Thursday after making the first port call by the Russian navy in a Saudi port for a decade, Russian officials said. The frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the tanker Kama arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday and left less than 24 hours later after a "long arranged" visit, a Russian embassy official in Riyadh told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Two Russian vessels left Jeddah on Thursday after making the first port call by the Russian navy in a Saudi port for a decade, Russian officials said. The frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the tanker Kama arrived in Jeddah on Wednesday and left less than 24 hours later after a "long arranged" visit, a Russian embassy official in Riyadh told AFP on condition of anonymity. Russia's defence ministry said on its website that the port call was the first by a Russian warship for about 10 years. The two ships took on food and drinking water in the Red Sea port, the ministry said. A 'cultural programme' was also scheduled for the crew, it added. The Admiral Gorshkov, which is armed with Zircon hypersonic missiles, and the Kama were part of a group of Russian Northern Fleet vessels that left in January and has taken part in two exercises, in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. One of the exercises was with China and South Africa. Saudi Arabia has taken a conciliatory stance over Russia's invasion of Ukraine by calling for a political solution. Russia has worked closely with the kingdom and other members of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) in efforts to manage the oil markets. Earlier this month, OPEC and its allies cut production by more than one million barrels per day in a surprise move that sent prices soaring and drew criticism from the United States. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian missile frigate makes rare port call in Saudi Arabia after a gap of 10 years

Next month's joint military drills between China, South Africa and Russia will reportedly feature the participation of&nbsp;frigate 'Admiral Gorshkov', a new-generation hypersonic cruise weapons-armed Russian warship.

A Monday report by the Russian news agency TASS officially made the first announcement of the participation of the frigate.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | War in Ukraine: Ukraine asks for special tanks ahead of Russia's new assault

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"Admiral Gorshkov... will go to the logistic support point in Syria's Tartus, and then take part in joint naval exercises with the Chinese and South African navies," said TASS, citing an unidentified defence source.

The "admiral of the fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov," is armed with Zircon missiles. These missiles form the centrepiece of the frigate's hypersonic arsenal and, as per Moscow, fly at nine times the speed of sound, and have a range of more than 1,000 km or 620 miles.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-wont-stand-in-the-way-of-polands-decision-to-supply-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine-554987">Germany 'won't stand in the way' of Poland's decision to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine</a>

It also carries the Avangard glide vehicle that, as per a Reuters report, entered combat duty in 2019. These, as per the Center for Strategic &amp; International Studies, are part of the six "next generation"&nbsp;weapons which were described by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a speech in 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-jeff-zients-soon-to-replace-ron-klain-as-white-house-chief-of-staff-555012">Who is Jeff Zients, soon to replace Ron Klain, as White House chief of staff?</a>

The drills will run from February 17 to February 27 near the port city of Durban and Richards Bay. As per the South African National Defense Force, the exercises aim "to strengthen the already flourishing relations between South Africa, Russia and China."

These are the second such round of exercises involving the three nations. Their last military drills were in 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Next month's joint military drills between China, South Africa and Russia will reportedly feature the participation of frigate 'Admiral Gorshkov', a new-generation hypersonic cruise weapons-armed Russian warship.

Next month's joint military drills between China, South Africa and Russia will reportedly feature the participation of frigate 'Admiral Gorshkov', a new-generation hypersonic cruise weapons-armed Russian warship. A Monday report by the Russian news agency TASS officially made the first announcement of the participation of the frigate. Watch | WION Fineprint | War in Ukraine: Ukraine asks for special tanks ahead of Russia's new assault "Admiral Gorshkov... will go to the logistic support point in Syria's Tartus, and then take part in joint naval exercises with the Chinese and South African navies," said TASS, citing an unidentified defence source. The "admiral of the fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov," is armed with Zircon missiles. These missiles form the centrepiece of the frigate's hypersonic arsenal and, as per Moscow, fly at nine times the speed of sound, and have a range of more than 1,000 km or 620 miles. Also read | Germany 'won't stand in the way' of Poland's decision to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine It also carries the Avangard glide vehicle that, as per a Reuters report, entered combat duty in 2019. These, as per the Center for Strategic & International Studies, are part of the six "next generation" weapons which were described by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a speech in 2018. Also read | Who is Jeff Zients, soon to replace Ron Klain, as White House chief of staff? The drills will run from February 17 to February 27 near the port city of Durban and Richards Bay. As per the South African National Defense Force, the exercises aim "to strengthen the already flourishing relations between South Africa, Russia and China." These are the second such round of exercises involving the three nations. Their last military drills were in 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian hypersonic missiles-armed warship 'Admiral Gorshkov' to participate in drills with China and S.Africa

A Royal Navy frigate escorted a Russian warship on Christmas Day as it passed close to British territorial waters, the ministry of defence said Tuesday at a time of strained relations between London and Moscow.

The HMS St Albans monitored the Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov in the North Sea, &quot;keeping track of its activity in areas of national interest,&quot; it said in a statement.

The St Albans, a Type 23 frigate, was deployed on Saturday to track the Russian vessel and would return to its Portsmouth base Tuesday.

&quot;I will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression,&quot; defence minister Gavin Williamson said in a statement after the incident.

&quot;Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests.&quot;

The defence ministry said there had been a recent &quot;upsurge in Russian units transiting UK waters&quot;.

It said the patrol ship HMS Tyne also escorted &quot;a Russian intelligence-gathering ship&quot; through the North Sea and the Channel on Sunday.

A navy helicopter was sent to monitor two other Russian vessels.

HMS St Albans was also involved in escorting a Russian aircraft carrier and missile cruiser through the Channel in January this year.

Relations between London and Moscow have been hostile for years, with allegations of Russian meddling in Britain&#39;s referendum on leaving the European Union and Moscow&#39;s intervention in Syria on the side of the Damascus regime further straining already tense ties.

British foreign minister Boris Johnson clashed with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow last week even as they sought to mend relations.

The defence ministry said there had been a recent upsurge in Russian units transiting UK waters

A Royal Navy frigate escorted a Russian warship on Christmas Day as it passed close to British territorial waters, the ministry of defence said Tuesday at a time of strained relations between London and Moscow. The HMS St Albans monitored the Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov in the North Sea, "keeping track of its activity in areas of national interest," it said in a statement. The St Albans, a Type 23 frigate, was deployed on Saturday to track the Russian vessel and would return to its Portsmouth base Tuesday. "I will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression," defence minister Gavin Williamson said in a statement after the incident. "Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests." The defence ministry said there had been a recent "upsurge in Russian units transiting UK waters". It said the patrol ship HMS Tyne also escorted "a Russian intelligence-gathering ship" through the North Sea and the Channel on Sunday. A navy helicopter was sent to monitor two other Russian vessels. HMS St Albans was also involved in escorting a Russian aircraft carrier and missile cruiser through the Channel in January this year. Relations between London and Moscow have been hostile for years, with allegations of Russian meddling in Britain's referendum on leaving the European Union and Moscow's intervention in Syria on the side of the Damascus regime further straining already tense ties. British foreign minister Boris Johnson clashed with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow last week even as they sought to mend relations.

Russian warship passes near UK waters, British Navy escorts it out