tech
April 25, 2026
FACTBOX: Russia lays down another minesweeping ship, Project 12700 in focus
Project 12700 minesweepers are equipped with an automated control system, contact and magnetic sweeps, and modern sonar systems, which are mounted both on the ship itself and on remotely operated and autonomous vehicles
TL;DR
- Project 12700 minesweepers are designed for searching, sweeping, and destroying mines in coastal and near-sea areas.
- The ships have monolithic fiberglass hulls created using vacuum infusion.
- They are equipped with automated control systems, various sweeps, and modern sonar, including those on remote and autonomous vehicles.
- The Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau developed the project in the 1990s to replace older minesweepers.
- Construction is taking place at the Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard, with multiple ships laid down, launched, and commissioned into different fleets.
- The ships are named in honor of Russian naval heroes and historical figures.
- Initial plans were to have ten Project 12700 ships by 2027, with later statements indicating a fleet of around forty.
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