Russia installs Tor-M2KM SAM on Sovetsk Corvette

The warship was photographed in the port of Kronstadt.

The Sovetsk, as well as the first ship of the Mytishchi series, were developed as part of the original 22800 project and did not receive specialized anti-aircraft weapons. On these ships, air defense tasks were assigned to AK-630M artillery pieces.

A full-fledged anti-aircraft system was first installed on the Karakurt-class corvettes starting with the third ship in the series, integrating the ship’s version of the Pantsir-ME air defense system.

Probably, based on the experience of this war, in particular in the Black Sea scene, the Russian Navy decided to strengthen the capabilities of these ships and installed an autonomous combat module 9M331MKM of the Tor-M2KM complex on the aft superstructure.

Both AK-630M artillery systems, which can reinforce SAM fire and operate against surface targets, were left behind and retained their combat capability during the installation of the module.

The Tor-M2KM is a modular version of the Tor-M2 system that has been adapted to be deployed on any type of chassis, or on ship decks and stationary platforms.

The autonomous combat module of this version is armed with four 9M331 anti-aircraft guided missiles capable of intercepting air targets at a distance of up to 15 kilometers.

Previously, the Russian military also “modernized” the Pavel Derzhavin and Vasily Bykov patrol ships of Project 22160, which were used in the Black Sea.

These sjips, like the aforementioned Sovetsk, did not have proper air defense weapons as part of their project and relied only on the AK-176MA artillery system. An additional SAM was installed on the helicopter pad at the stern of the ship.

Similarly, the Russians retrofitted the Admiral Grigorovich frigate.

Source: Militarnyi

On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the largest military attack in Europe since World War II. 

Media reporting of and focus on the invasion has largely been on the terrestrial and aerial aspects – however, maritime engagements have been consequential during the war.  

The Russian Navy has lost eleven ships and submarines, including the Moskva, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, with a further five confirmed damaged. The Ukrainian Navy has lost nine ships, with a further one damaged, and seventeen captured.