Project 23550 is a Russian multifunctional ice-class patrol ship family that combines patrol ship, icebreaker, and tug roles for Arctic operations. Admiralty Shipyards built the Navy Arktika-code ships Ivan Papanin and Nikolay Zubov, while Vyborg Shipyard builds the modified Ermak-code FSB Border Service ships Purga and Dzerzhinsky; the design is attributed to Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau.
During the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War, Ukrainian forces reportedly struck the Project 23550 patrol icebreaker Purga at Vyborg Shipyard on 25 March 2026 while the vessel was under construction for Russia's FSB Border Service. Sources support conflict-related damage to the Russian vessel, not operational combat use by a commissioned Project 23550 ship.
Role detailsProject 23550 is reported in two closely related configurations: the Russian Navy Arktika-code patrol icebreaker and a modified Ermak-code FSB Border Service / Coast Guard version.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Project 23550 Arktika | Russian Navy patrol icebreaker configuration | Built at Admiralty Shipyards for the Russian Navy; ships reported as Ivan Papanin and Nikolay Zubov. Sources: Admiralty Shipyards: Ivan Papanin transferred to the Russian Navy, VPK.name: Nikolay Zubov launched |
| Project 23550 Ermak | Modified FSB Border Service / Coast Guard configuration | Built at Vyborg Shipyard; ships reported as Purga and Dzerzhinsky. Sources: Naval News: Russia launches Project 23550 patrol ship Purga, VPK.name: Nikolay Zubov launched |
Project 23550 sources describe a patrol-icebreaker hull with aviation and boat facilities plus a possible containerized missile fit rather than a conventional frigate-style vertical-launch battery.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Containerized cruise missile family | Naval News describes the class as able to carry a containerized Kalibr-K / Kalibr-family missile module, while other reporting treats the missile fit as optional or mission-dependent. Sources: Naval News: Russia's New Multirole Arctic Patrol Ships to Feature Cruise Missiles, Baird Maritime: Russian Navy commissions icebreaking patrol ship |
 | High-speed carried boat | Naval News and Baird Maritime reporting identify Project 23550 as able to carry Raptor-class high-speed boats for interception, boarding, or mission support. Sources: Naval News: Russia's New Multirole Arctic Patrol Ships to Feature Cruise Missiles, Baird Maritime: Russian Navy commissions icebreaking patrol ship |
Project 23550 is reported as a military patrol icebreaker rather than a front-line surface combatant. The recurring public descriptions emphasize Arctic patrol endurance, ice navigation, towing and rescue tasks, aviation facilities, carried boats, and optional containerized weapons.
Patrol ship, icebreaker, tug, and support vessel functions in Arctic waters.
Flight deck and hangar reported for a Ka-27-class helicopter and unmanned aircraft support.
Sources describe high-speed boats, a Project 23321 hovercraft option, and mission containers including possible Kalibr-family missile modules.
Primary support: Naval News: Russia's New Multirole Arctic Patrol Ships to Feature Cruise Missiles; Baird Maritime: Russian Navy commissions icebreaking patrol ship; Barents Observer: Russia's first icebreaking patrol vessel for the Arctic arrives north.
United Shipbuilding Corporation reported that Admiralty Shipyards received the contract for the first two Project 23550 patrol ships in April 2016.
Sources: United Shipbuilding Corporation: ENDEAVOR TO BOOST RUSSIA'S NAVAL POWER
Naval News and related reporting place the laying of Ivan Papanin at Admiralty Shipyards on 19 April 2017.
Sources: Naval News: Ukraine strikes Russian Project 23550 Arctic patrol ship
Naval News reports that the lead ship Ivan Papanin was floated on 25 October 2019.
Sources: Naval News: Ukraine strikes Russian Project 23550 Arctic patrol ship
The second Russian Navy Project 23550 ship, Nikolay Zubov, was laid down at Admiralty Shipyards.
Sources: VPK.name: Nikolay Zubov launched
Barents Observer reporting says the Purga hull had its keel laid in July 2020 at Vyborg Shipyard.
Sources: Barents Observer: Ukrainian drone wrecks FSB's new Arctic vessel
Naval News and related reporting place Purga's launch in October 2022.
Sources: Naval News: Russia launches Project 23550 patrol ship Purga
The second FSB Border Service Ermak-code Project 23550 derivative, Dzerzhinsky, was reportedly laid down at Vyborg Shipyard.
Sources: VPK.name: Nikolay Zubov launched
Admiralty Shipyards launched Nikolay Zubov, the second Navy Project 23550 Arktika-code patrol icebreaker.
Sources: VPK.name: Nikolay Zubov launched
Admiralty Shipyards reported that Ivan Papanin was accepted into Russian Navy service during a flag-raising ceremony at Severomorsk.
Sources: Admiralty Shipyards: Ivan Papanin transferred to the Russian Navy, Baird Maritime: Russian Navy commissions icebreaking patrol ship
Naval News and the Barents Observer reported that a Ukrainian drone strike damaged Purga while it was under construction at Vyborg Shipyard.
Sources: Naval News: Ukraine strikes Russian Project 23550 Arctic patrol ship, Barents Observer: Ukrainian drone wrecks FSB's new Arctic vessel, Ukrinform: Defense Forces strike Russian icebreaker in Leningrad region
