Russian Baltic Fleet minesweeper disabled in Ukrainian sabotage in Kaliningrad.

According to information published by the Ukrainian Military Intelligence on October 7, 2024, the Russian Navy's minesweeper Alexander Obukhov, stationed in the Baltic Fleet, was rendered inoperative following a sabotage operation attributed to Ukrainian military intelligence.
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Russian Project 12700 Alexandrit minesweeper Aleksandr Obukhov. (Picture source: Sdelanounas)

According to reports, the vessel sustained significant damage after water entered its engine compartment through what has been described as a "mysteriously appeared hole in a gas duct." The breach led to a critical malfunction, putting the ship out of service.

This incident follows an earlier Ukrainian operation in April targeting the Russian missile ship Serpukhov in the same region, which involved the assistance of a Russian sailor opposed to the war.

Minesweeper Aleksandr Obukhov

The vessel has a displacement of 800 tons in standard load, which increases to 890 tons at full load. It measures 61.6 meters in length and 10.3 meters in beam at its widest point. The draft ranges from 2.6 meters at its shallowest to 3.6 meters at its maximum, with 3.1 meters at midship. Its propulsion system consists of diesel engines, specifically 2 M503B-1 "Zvezda" engines, alongside diesel generators including 2 ADGR-315/1500 OM4 units and 2 DGF2A 200/1500 units.

The engines deliver a power output of 2,500 horsepower (1838 kW) each, with additional generators providing 315 kW and 200 kW respectively. The vessel uses two shafts, two controllable-pitch propellers (CPP), two bow thrusters (PU-100F), and two stern retractable azimuth thrusters (VPK-90F/70).

The ship achieves an economical speed of 10 knots and a maximum speed of 16.5 knots, with a range of 1,500 nautical miles at 10 knots. It can remain at sea for 10 days and carries a crew of 44. The hull is made of fiberglass.

For radar systems, the ship is equipped with the PAL-N radar. Its electronic warfare systems include the KS "Ruberoid" system, Anapa sonar, the Structure-35 towed sonar array, and the Altyn-M navigation and surveillance system. It features one 30-mm AK-306 anti-aircraft gun, with 1,500 rounds of ammunition. Its missile defense consists of eight Igla-1 or Verba MANPADS, armed with 9M39 or 9K333 missiles.

The ship's mine and torpedo systems include UDM, UDM-2, UDM-500, MTPK-1, MTPK-2, MRPK-1, PMR-1, PMR-2, OUKT, OUKT-B, PKT, PKT-B, SHAT-U, and the "Gelatin" mine-towing simulator. It is also fitted with one "Livadia-M" mine-hunting sonar. Additionally, the vessel operates an aviation group that includes Orlan-10 UAVs.

Comments

The incident occurred in Baltiysk, Kaliningrad—a strategic Russian exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania that serves as a crucial naval base hosting the Baltic Fleet and advanced military assets.

The successful sabotage operation deep within Russian territory underscores several critical implications. Strategically, it exposes vulnerabilities in Russia's defense of key assets far from the immediate conflict zones. The disruption of a minesweeper like the Alexander Obukhov hampers Russia's ability to secure maritime routes in the Baltic Sea, potentially affecting both military operations and commercial shipping in the region.

Psychologically, the incident demonstrates the reach and capabilities of Ukrainian military intelligence and special forces. This could lower morale within the Russian military and boost confidence among Ukrainian forces and their supporters. It reflects a shift towards asymmetrical warfare tactics, where unconventional methods are employed to target high-value assets, thereby altering the traditional dynamics of the conflict.