Latest Project 12700 minesweeper takes to the water
Project 12700 mine countermeasures vessel Pyotr Ilyichev. (Photo: TASS)
The Alexandrit-class mine countermeasures vessel Pyotr Ilyichev was launched on 28 April.
United Shipbuilding Corporation company Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard launched the Project 12700 Alexandrit-class mine countermeasures (MCM) ship Pyotr Ilyichev on 28 April, according to state-run Russian news agency TASS.
Pyotr Ilyichev was laid down in July 2018 as the fifth serial production Project 12700 MCM vessel for the Russian Navy, and the sixth overall in the Alexandrit class.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Alexandrit-class vessels carry a complement of 44. They are armed with a 30mm AK-306 naval gun, a 14.5mm machine gun on a pedestal mount and a 9K38 Igla SAM system for defence against low-flying aircraft and small boats.
The minesweepers displace 890t and measure 62m in length, with a 10m beam and a draught of 2.6m. Their maximum speed is 16.5kt and their range is 1,600nmi at a cruising speed of 10kt.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration]()
Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
-
![HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment]()
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
![How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China]()
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
-
![UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet]()
UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.
-
![US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks]()
US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks
US military authorities claim to have sunk 20 Iranian vessels and destroyed Tehran’s Air Force, with the Pentagon making plans to send additional assets to the region.
-
![Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus]()
Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus
The recent naval modernisation efforts by the Hellenic Navy have been bolstered by the acquisition of advanced Naval Group frigates, the first of which was delivered in December 2025 and is now playing a crucial role in the latest Middle East conflict.
