Russia lays keel for new Project 12700 minesweeper Viktor Korner.

According to information published by bmpd on July 16, 2024,  the Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard in Saint Petersburg, part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), held a keel-laying ceremony for the Russian Navy's new minesweeper, the Viktor Korner. This vessel is the thirteenth in its series and is expected to join the Pacific Fleet.
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Keel-laying ceremony of the Project 12700 minesweeper Viktor Korner in Russia. (Picture source: Korabel)

The Alexandrit-class vessels are constructed using monolithic fiberglass reinforced plastic (GFRP), which provides significant benefits in terms of durability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced stealth characteristics. The use of GFRP makes the hulls more resistant to corrosion and less detectable by magnetic influence mines.

Equipped with mine detection and neutralization systems, the Project 12700 ships feature modern sonar and automated control systems. Their primary detection system is the advanced Alister minehunting sonar, which offers high-resolution imaging to locate mines with precision.

Additionally, the ships are outfitted with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), allowing for the safe and efficient neutralization of detected threats without putting the vessel or crew at risk. These vessels can operate in various environments, including coastal areas and open seas.

Strategically, the introduction of these vessels allows the Russian Navy to replace aging Soviet-era minesweepers, with plans to build up to 40 units by 2035.

One of the notable classes was the Natya-class (Project 266M), developed during the Soviet era. These ocean-going minesweepers were equipped with mechanical sweeping gear and acoustic and magnetic minesweeping equipment. The Natya-class was extensively used and had a steel hull with a length of about 61 meters and a displacement of approximately 800 tons. They were capable of various mine countermeasure tasks, including sweeping and hunting for mines.