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Russia Builds Dozens of Advanced Fiberglass Minesweepers
5 Dec
Summary
- Russia plans to build two to three dozen more Alexandrit-class minesweepers.
- These advanced vessels feature a monolithic fiberglass hull for enhanced survivability.
- The minesweepers will be deployed across all four Russian naval fleets and Caspian Flotilla.
The Russian Navy is embarking on a significant expansion of its mine countermeasures fleet, with plans to build between two to three dozen additional Project 12700 Alexandrit seagoing minesweepers. These advanced vessels, developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau, are distinguished by their monolithic fiberglass hulls, created using vacuum infusion. This construction method provides greater strength and a longer service life than steel hulls, while also being lighter.
The Project 12700 Alexandrit minesweepers are designed for enhanced survivability and will be equipped with modern weaponry and underwater vehicles for minesweeping operations. The Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard, a leader in composite shipbuilding, is responsible for their production. This initiative is part of a broader building program extending to 2036 and aims for continuous improvement through ongoing import substitution and quality enhancements.
These versatile ships are slated for service in all four of Russia's naval fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla, bolstering the nation's maritime security. The shipyard's expertise in composite materials ensures the delivery of high-quality vessels meeting stringent military requirements. The development underscores Russia's commitment to modernizing its naval assets with cutting-edge technology.
