On March 11, the Pacific Fleet (TOF) conducted a mine warfare exercise involving the minesweepers “Anatoly Shlemov” and “Pyotr Ilyichev” off the coast of Kamchatka. During the drill, the crews effectively navigated a designated area of simulated mine threat, employing the automatic mine detection system “Diez” and the hydroacoustic station “Livadia” for mine reconnaissance. Upon identifying possible underwater mines, the crew deployed the unmanned boat “Skanda” for precise mine identification, subsequently neutralizing the threats using the AK-306 artillery system. This exercise was part of the fleet’s combat training plan and took place within the Aavachinskaya Bay training area. The minesweepers, built to Project 12700 “Alexandrite” standards at the Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard, boast a unique monolithic fiberglass hull, the largest of its kind globally, allowing for effective magnetic mine sweeping with enhanced durability and reduced weight. Equipped with advanced mine detection and neutralization systems, including robotic devices, these vessels are vital to ensuring maritime safety in the Russian Northeast, reinforcing the operational capabilities of the Pacific Fleet.
