Latest Project 12700 minesweeper takes to the water
Project 12700 mine countermeasures vessel Pyotr Ilyichev. (Photo: TASS)
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
-
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
-
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.