April 27, 2026

Introducing Russia's Newest Minesweeper


Introducing Russia's Newest Minesweeper
Officials at an event honoring the new minesweepers. Saint Petersburg City Administration

The start of construction on Russia’s newest minesweeper, Dmitry Glukhov, has been celebrated in a keel-laying ceremony in St. Petersburg’s Middle Neva Shipyard. Although the Glukhov is far from ship-shape, it is the 16th minesweeping ship of its class, with 20 to 30 more expected by 2050.

On April 24, a plaque commemorating the date and geographic coordinates of the shipyard was placed on the hull. Its was named after sailor Dmitry Glukhov, who served in the Black Sea Fleet in the Second World War and was posthumously awarded the distinction of Hero of the Soviet Union in 1944.

Dmitry Glukhov belongs to a new class of minesweepers designated as Project 12700 Alexandrit. Ships of this class have high-tech capabilities, including an updated search-and-detection system and submersible robots for clearing mines to depths of 980 feet. Additionally, the hull is made of fiberglass, which does not attract magnetic mines.

Nine other Alexandrit-class minesweepers are currently serving in the Russian Navy, while the remaining seven ships are either undergoing trials or construction.

Rear Admiral Mikhail Chekmasov cited an unexpected reason for the large-scale production of minesweepers: unexploded naval mines from World War II can still be found in coastal waters. Russian minesweepers destroyed 12 mines in the Gulf of Finland in 2020. Thus, building more minesweepers could save lives by clearing old, leftover naval mines.

Which waters are the minesweepers most likely to secure? “When the conflicts conclude, and both sides reach peace agreements, it is possible that our forces will be needed in the Black Sea and the Straight of Hormuz,” Chekmasov said, referring to Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine and the 2026 Iran War.

​Captain Vasily Dandykin also said he foresees plenty of work ahead for the minesweepers. “The [United] States does not have proper minesweepers, and if they are prepared to clear the Straight of Hormuz, they will need to bring ships from NATO countries.”

​While Russia’s one aircraft carrier may be slated to slip below the waves, the newest class of minesweepers is dredging up old mines and, apparently, nobly lying in wait to clean up after the rest of the world’s messes.

You Might Also Like

Of War and Yachts
  • August 29, 2023

Of War and Yachts

Despite Russia's War on Ukraine and ongoing sanctions, the Russian state spent $32 million on a yacht linked to Vladimir Putin.
Less than Ship Shape
  • April 19, 2022

Less than Ship Shape

The flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been lost; whether to an accidental fire or anti-ship missiles depends on who you ask.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

White Magic
June 01, 2021

White Magic

The thirteen tales in this volume – all written by Russian émigrés, writers who fled their native country in the early twentieth century – contain a fair dose of magic and mysticism, of terror and the supernatural. There are Petersburg revenants, grief-stricken avengers, Lithuanian vampires, flying skeletons, murders and duels, and even a ghostly Edgar Allen Poe.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

93 Untranslatable Russian Words
December 01, 2008

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955