Naval Systems

Project 1388NZ / Baklan-class communication boat

Project 1388NZ / Baklan-class communication boat is a Russian Navy special-purpose command-and-communications vessel built by Sokol Shipyard and developed by JSC Vympel. The lead boat, KSV-2168, entered Baltic Fleet service in 2018 and was designed to move fleet command and inspection personnel while supporting communications at sea.

Profile

Origin
Russia
Built by
Sokol Shipyard
Type
Communication boat
Service note
2010s-present
Designer
JSC Vympel
Produced
2015-2018
Number built
1 completed, 3 ordered
Variants
Project 1388NZK
Developed from
Project 1388

Also Known As

  • Baklan
  • Baklan class
  • Project 1388NZ
  • Project 1388NZK
  • KSV-2168
  • Communication boat KSV-2168

Specifications

Displacement
993 t full load
Length
66.9 m
Beam
11.2 m
Draft
3.02 m maximum 3.57 m
Speed
20.5 knots
Range
1,000 nmi at 15 knots
Autonomy
10 days
Passengers
31
Complement
12
Propulsion
Two 5,440 hp diesels, two variable-pitch propellers, and three 150 kW diesel generators
Electronics
R-231 navigation radar, MR-231-2, and communication/navigation systems

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
Commissioned into Baltic Fleet service on 15 December 2018 as the lead boat of the modified Project 1388NZ series.
Used by
Russian Navy, Baltic Fleet

Conflict Usage

No reliable open-source evidence found tying the Baklan-class Project 1388NZ/KSV-2168 entry to a named armed conflict. Sources describe Project 1388NZ as a communication/command boat used to support fleet command and personnel movement; this appears to be a support/intelligence-adjacent platform rather than a documented conflict weapon system.

Timeline

Project 1388NZ / Baklan-class communication boat Key Events

  1. KSV-2168 laid down

    RussianShips lists KSV-2168 as laid down in 2015 under factory number 403 at Sokolskaya Shipyard.

    Sources: Communication boat - Project 1388NZK

  2. Lead boat launched

    GlobalSecurity reports the lead boat was launched on 27 October 2017 before later towage and completion work.

    Sources: Project 1388NZ Communication boat

  3. Delivered to the Baltic Fleet

    Both GlobalSecurity and RussianShips place commissioning in December 2018, establishing the boat in Baltic Fleet service.

    Sources: Project 1388NZ Communication boat, Communication boat - Project 1388NZK

Project 1388NZ / Baklan-class communication boat Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources