Surface Forces
Location Analysis
The headquarters of the Surface Forces under analysis is situated at Zavoyko, a strategically significant site on the Russian Pacific coast. Zavoyko's proximity to major maritime routes and its access to the Sea of Japan and the North Pacific provide the Russian Navy with a critical operational foothold in the Far East. The location enables rapid deployment of naval assets for both defensive and offensive operations, as well as effective control over maritime approaches to the Russian mainland.
Organizational Structure
The Surface Forces at Zavoyko are organized into several key formations: the 114th Water Area Protection Ship Brigade, the 117th Water Area Protection Ship Squadron, and the 66th Small Missile Ship Squadron. Each formation is tailored to specific operational roles, including area denial, mine countermeasures, and surface strike capabilities. This structure allows for flexible task groupings and rapid response to diverse maritime threats.
Order of Battle: 114th Water Area Protection Ship Brigade
The 114th Brigade is equipped with advanced surface combatants and mine countermeasure vessels. Notably, it includes the Project 20385 corvette 'Gremyashchiy' (hull number 337), which is among the most modern Russian corvettes, featuring stealth technology and multi-role capabilities. The brigade also operates Project 12700 Aleksandrit-class minesweepers—'Yakov Balyaev' (616), 'Pyotr Ilyichev' (543), and 'Anatoly Shlemov' (651)—which are constructed with composite materials and equipped with advanced mine-hunting systems, enhancing the brigade's ability to secure naval approaches against mine threats.
Order of Battle: 117th Water Area Protection Ship Squadron
The 117th Squadron comprises a mix of anti-submarine corvettes and minesweepers. The Project 1124(M) corvettes—MPK-82 (375), MPK-107 (332), MPK-125 'Sovetskaya Gavan' (350), and MPK-191 'Kholmsk' (369)—are specialized for anti-submarine warfare, equipped with sonar systems and anti-submarine weaponry. The squadron also includes Project 266ME minesweepers—MT-264 (738) and MT-265 (718)—and Project 12650 base minesweepers—BT-215 (593) and BT-325 (586)—which provide robust mine countermeasure capabilities, ensuring safe passage for larger fleet units.
Order of Battle: 66th Small Missile Ship Squadron
The 66th Squadron is composed of Project 12431 corvettes—'Moroz' (409), 'Iney' (418), 'Razliv' (450), and 'Smerch' (423)—which are small missile ships optimized for coastal defense and rapid strike missions. These vessels are armed with anti-ship missiles and modern electronic warfare systems, enabling them to conduct both offensive and defensive operations in littoral zones. Their speed and maneuverability make them effective for hit-and-run tactics and area denial missions.
Infrastructure Capabilities
The naval facilities at Zavoyko are equipped to support a diverse range of surface combatants and auxiliary vessels. The infrastructure includes modern piers, maintenance and repair workshops, ammunition storage, and command and control centers. The base is capable of supporting sustained naval operations, including replenishment, refitting, and crew training. Security measures and layered defenses are in place to protect against sabotage and aerial threats.
Operational Readiness and Strategic Significance
The composition and readiness of the Surface Forces at Zavoyko underscore their strategic role in safeguarding Russia's eastern maritime approaches. The integration of modern corvettes, advanced minesweepers, and missile ships provides a balanced force capable of countering a range of maritime threats, including submarines, surface combatants, and mine warfare. The presence of these assets enhances Russia's ability to project power in the Asia-Pacific region and to secure its interests in contested waters.