The Russian Navy commissioned a new anti-saboteur boat into service in a ceremony at Polyarny Naval Base on Monday, December 30.
The 31-metre Grachonok ("Rook") belongs to the Project 21980 series, also known as the Grachonok-class. Although it shares the name of its class, Grachonok is the 28th in the class to be completed.
Built by Vympel shipyard, the vessel will be crewed by eight and will be capable of reaching speeds of 23 knots, thanks to the installation of two diesel engines. The vessel's armament includes a 14.5mm machine gun, grenade launchers, and Igla surface-to-air missiles.
Like its sisters, Grachonok will be used to protect the Russian Navy's bases and the approaches to them from sabotage and terrorist activity. It may also be used to assist the Russian Federal Security Service's Border Service in conducting maritime border patrols and surveillance.
The vessel's suite of anti-saboteur equipment includes a radar, an electro-optical sensor, and a diver detection sonar.
Grachonok will be deployed as part of the Russian Northern Fleet.