Sonya-class

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan • 🇧🇬 Bulgaria • 🇨🇺 Cuba • 🇷🇺 Russia • 🇸🇾 Syria • 🇺🇦 Ukraine • 🇻🇳 Vietnam

The Sonya class, designated Project 1265 Yakhont, is a series of coastal minesweepers developed for the Soviet Navy and its allies. Construction took place between 1971 and 1991 at the Uliis yard in Vladivostok and the Avangard yard in Petrozavodsk. The class succeeded the Vanya-class and Zhenya-class vessels and was followed by the Alexandrit class.

The design utilizes wooden hulls and functions as a minehunter. It incorporates updated sonar systems and minesweeping equipment compared to preceding classes. The internal layout includes a central explosion-proof area designed to protect personnel; key ship systems are configured for remote operation from this compartment.

A total of 72 ships were completed during the production period. The class entered service in 1971 and remains active. The Russian Navy is the primary operator, distributing the vessels across the Baltic, Northern, and Pacific Fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla. One unit was transferred to the Russian Coast Guard for service as a border patrol boat. Other nations that have operated the class include Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Cuba, Syria, and Vietnam. Ukraine previously operated two units, which were decommissioned in 2012 and 2013.

Operational records include the loss of the BT-730 in an accident in 1985. In November 1985, a Sonya-class minesweeper collided with the Swedish surveillance ship HSwMS Orion in the Baltic Sea east of Gotland.