DSA 2026: Rosoboronexport promotes Project 22160 vessel for Southeast Asia

Rosoboronexport is positioning its upgraded Project 22160 vessel, a model of which is seen above at DSA 2026, for multipurpose ship requirements in Southeast Asia. (Janes/Sohini Mandal)

State‑owned Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport displayed a model of an upgraded Bykov (Project 22160)-class corvette at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, held from 20 to 23 April. A Rosoboronexport official told Janes that the ship is being positioned to meet requirements in Southeast Asia.

According to the official, the ship is a modular platform designed primarily for patrol and maritime security tasks, but can be configured for a broader range of missions through reconfigurable payloads. Rosoboronexport categorises the vessel as a ‘multipurpose ship'.

“The main advantage of this ship is that it has … an open structure design … so that the customer can [integrate] the payload he needs,” the Rosoboronexport official said. “We have developed several payload modules, which include autonomous surface vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), rigid inflatable boats, and fast assault patrol boats.”

The official added that the vessel is capable of operating a helicopter weighing up to 12 tonnes. “Everything is installed [on the vessel] to ensure maintenance, transportation, and take off and landing of such helicopters,” he added.

According to the Rosoboronexport official, latest upgrades to the Bykov (Project 22160)-class vessel include a multi-mission bay and a modular payload integration capability. “The modular payload – a portable hospital or 40-foot cargo containers or robotic systems – everything can be installed here and launched from the ship with the help of launch and recovery systems,” the official said.