Future Russian Navy minesweeper Yakov Balyaev hits the water

By Baird Maritime - January 30, 2020.

United Shipbuilding Corporation’s (USC) Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant launched the future Russian Navy minesweeper Yakov Balyaev into the water for the first time on Wednesday, January 29.

The fourth Project 12700 or Alexandrit-class minesweeper honours Seaman Yakov Illarionovich Balyaev, a Soviet Navy sailor who was awarded the posthumous title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his actions in World War II.

Yakov Balyaev is scheduled to be delivered to the Russian Navy in the summer of 2020 upon completion of sea trials and acceptance tests. It will be assigned to the Russian Pacific Fleet.