Silný-class cruiser

Silný class

HMS Silný in April 2021
Class overview
Name:	Silný class
Builders:	Milsau Shipyard Mostky Shipbuilding
Operators:	Royal Holyn Navy
Preceded by:	Víťazný class
Cost:	7 billion HRK
Built:	2015–present
In service:	2021–present
Planned:	4
Active:	1
General characteristics
Type:	Guided missile cruiser
Displacement:	12-13,000 tonnes (full load)
Length:	180 m (590 ft 7 in)
Beam:	20 m (65 ft 7 in)
Draught:	6.6 m (21 ft 8 in)
Installed power:	6 × turbine generators (5 MW (6,700 hp) each) Total: 30 MW (40,000 shp)
Propulsion:	COGAG 4 × gas turbines (28 MW (38,000 hp) each) Total: 112 MW (150,000 shp)
Speed:	30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range:	5,000 nmi (9,300 km)
Complement:	300+
Sensors and processing systems:	R5661-A (C/S-band) AESA 3D radar X-band radar
Electronic warfare & decoys:	Electronic warfare system
Armament:	1 × 130 mm gun 1 × CIWS 1 × Short-range SAM 24-cell launcher 112 VLS surface-to-air missiles anti-ship cruise missiles land-attack cruise missiles Missile-launched anti-submarine torpedoes 2 x sets
Aircraft carried:	2 medium-lift helicopters
Aviation facilities:	Stern hangar Helicopter landing platform

The Silný class is a class of guided missile cruisers designed and built by the Milsau Shipyard and Mostky Shipbuilding. The class is named Silný, the Hornat and Masov word for strong. The class is designed to have a multi role functionality. Its primary role will be to operate as a command ship with anti-ship, anti-land, anti-submarine, and anti-aircraft capabilities. The class also has ballistic missile tracking capabilities because of the multifunction active electronically scanned array naval radar system. The class is meant to replace the Víťazný class cruisers and complement the Podkost and Ledetz class guided missile destroyers.

Development

The Víťazný class cruisers began showing their ageing air defense capabilities. Growing maintanence issues on systems, weapons and the powerplants of the Víťazný class led the Holyn Navy to research a replacement. In 2012, Milsau Shipyard and Mostky Shipbuilding were awarded a contract to develop the replacement of the Víťazný class. The development was alongside the Ledetz class guided missile destroyers, which the new cruiser would share a number of similar features. The design was unveiled in 2014 with construction beginning in 2015. The ship was launched in 2016 and conducted sea trials in 2018. Fitting out of the Silný concluded in 2019 and the ship continued sea trials and training. The ship was commissioned on 10 March 2021 and entered service with the 3rd fleet.

The second and third ships were laid down in 2018, with Zdravý being launched in 2022 and Pevný being fitted out as of 2024. The fourth ship of the class, the Rázny, is in early stages of construction. Zdravý joined the 1st fleet on 4 January 2024.

Design

Propulsion

The Silný class is powered by six 5 MW turbine generators, providing substantial electrical power to the ship’s systems. For propulsion, the destroyers utilize four 28 megawat Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) turbines, enabling a maximum speed and a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles. This propulsion system allows for efficient cruising as well as rapid response capabilities in diverse maritime environments.

Electronics

The Silný class is equipped with a sophisticated electronics suite designed for enhanced situational awareness and combat readiness. The primary radar is the R5661-A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) 3D radar, which provides long-range tracking and targeting capabilities. Additionally, the vessel is outfitted with X-band radar for surface search and target acquisition.

The destroyers feature an advanced electronic warfare system capable of electronic surveillance and countermeasures, enhancing the vessel's survivability against threats.

Armament

The ships are armed with a single 130 mm naval gun, suitable for engaging surface targets and providing naval gunfire support. For defense against incoming missiles and aircraft, the destroyers are equipped with a CIWS, offering rapid-fire capability to intercept threats at close range. The class feature a 24-cell short-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launcher, as well as 112 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells that can fire a variety of missiles, including surface-to-air, anti-ship, and land attack missiles. Two sets of torpedo launchers are integrated into the design, allowing the vessels to engage submarines and other surface threats effectively.

Ships of class

Name	Namesake	Builders	Laid down	Launched	Commissioned	Fleet	Status
HMS Silný	Strong	Milsau Shipyard, Milsau	11 November 2015	18 December 2016	10 March 2021	3rd Fleet	Active
HMS Zdravý	Healthy	Milsau Shipyard, Milsau	22 October 2018	30 June 2022	4 January 2024	1st Fleet	Active
HMS Pevný	Firm	Mostky Shipbuilding, Mostky	17 November 2020	16 March 2023		2nd Fleet	Sea trials
HMS Rázny	Energetic	Mostky Shipbuilding, Mostky	18 February 2023				Under construction