Russia’s 1st Project 12700 mine countermeasures vessel Alexander Obukhov starts state trials.

"The new-generation lead mine sweeper Alexander Obukhov has begun undergoing state trials. When the state trials are completed, the ship will be delivered to Russia’s Navy," the press office added.

The Project 12700 Alexandrit-class ship is a new-generation mine sweeper. The ship features a fiberglass hull, which makes it lighter and extends its service life. The Project 12700 ship can sweep mines using various sweeps and remote-controlled and self-sustained unmanned submersible vehicles. Shipyard CEO Vladimir Seredokho said in early September that the mine sweeper Alexander Obukhov would be delivered to the Russian Navy in October 2016.

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