Russian Navy commissions ninth Alexandrit-class minesweeper

The Russian Navy commissioned its newest Project 12700 mine countermeasures (MCM) vessel in a ceremony on Wednesday, May 7.

Afanasy Ivannikov is the ninth MCM vessel under Project 12700, otherwise known as the Alexandrit-class. United Shipbuilding Corporation's Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau was responsible for the design work while construction took place at Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant's facilities in Saint Petersburg.

Like its sisters, Afanasy Ivannikov has a length of 61 metres, a beam of 10.2 metres, a draught of 2.68 metres, a displacement of approximately 890 tonnes at full load, and space for 44 crewmembers. The vessel features a vacuum-infused FRP hull combining light weight with enhanced durability.

Two 1,864kW diesel engines drive rudder propellers to deliver speeds of up to 16.5 knots and a range of 1,600 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots.

The armament includes a 30mm close-in weapon system for use against light airborne and surface threats, mines, surface-to-air missiles, and pintle-mounted 14.5mm machine guns.

Afanasy Ivannikov will be assigned to the Russian Navy's Northern Fleet. The ship honours a Soviet Navy minesweeper captain who was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union decoration for his actions in World War II.