Russian warship sails near Portugal amid surveillance

Beginning last Thursday, the Russian ship, Admiral Grigorovich, has been located in the exclusive economic zone, more commonly known as waters under Lisbon authority jurisdiction. This information was provided by the Maritime Economy service, referring to Portugal's army confirmations. The missile frigate has consistently been tracked by the Portuguese warship, Corte-Real. We'll dive deeper into the details of these units.

The Russian frigate, Admiral Grigorovich, embarked from the Baltic Sea in early November, setting course for the Mediterranean Sea. As reported by the Portugal army, the vessel is presently in waters under Lisbon authorities' domain. It's most likely making its way towards Syria. The Admiral Grigorovich is a class frigate, often referred to as a Project 11356M frigate. This line of units was based on the Talwar class frigates, constructed in Russia for the Indian Navy.

The Admiral Grigorovich frigate, bearing the hull number 745, was constructed at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad and commissioned in 2016. It was the first-of-its-class unit to join the service of the Russian navy. The ship measures approximately 410 feet in length and 50 feet in width, boasting almost four thousand tonnes of displacement. Furthermore, it can reach a maximum speed of 32 knots. The Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates are highly versatile, capable of air defense, escorting other ships, or engaging in submarine warfare.

The design and superstructures of these types of units were aimed at reducing radar, acoustic, and infrared signatures. However, it should be underscored that this isn't a stealth technology vessel. The ship can accommodate either a Ka-27 or Ka-31 helicopter and an Orlan-10 drone. The frigate carries quite an impressive set of arms. The bow section integrates an eight-chamber 3S-14E launcher, coupled with a 3R-14N-11356 fire control system and a 3C-25E detection radar.

The launcher has the capability to shoot 3M55 Oniks missiles or Kalibr family maneuverable missiles. The arsenal also includes a Sztil-1 medium-range anti-aircraft missile system, a portable Igla air-to-ground missile system, and an AK-630M anti-aircraft gun set, in addition to two double torpedo launchers and an RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher.

The Russian ship, a part of the Black Sea Fleet, is being trailed by the Portuguese frigate Corte-Real (hull number F332). The Corte-Real is a Vasco da Gama-type ship, built at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft shipyard in Kiel, entering service in 1992. The ship is based on the German MEKO 200 PN design. Measuring 380 feet long and nearly 49 feet wide, fully loaded, it weighs 3527 tons. It provides quarters for a crew of 180, along with two Super Lynx Mk 95 helicopters.

The Portuguese ship can reach a max speed of 32 knots, matching that of the Russian Admiral Grigorovich. According to the Navy Recognition service, the frigate is armed with a bow gun Mod68 CADAM cal. 100 mm, an anti-missile defense system Phalanx CIWS 20 mm Vulcan, six 12.75-inch Mk32 torpedo launchers, and two Mk 141 launchers, including the guided missile launcher system MK 21.