Vanya-class

The Project 257, designated the Vanya class, was a series of coastal minesweepers built between 1960 and 1973. Developed to succeed the Sasha class, the project was eventually followed by the Zhenya class. Construction of the series took place at shipyards in Kolpino and Vladivostok.

The vessels were designed for coastal mine hunting. The hulls were constructed of wood to reduce the magnetic signature of the ships. Additional design measures were implemented to minimize electrical and acoustic signatures, including the installation of propellers without bubble shields. In the mid-1960s, an updated version designated Project 257DM entered production. Another variant, Project 699, was developed with modified diesel engines to allow for the towing of heavier sweeps.

A total of 47 units were completed. While the Soviet Navy was the primary operator, several vessels were exported to foreign navies. Bulgaria received seven ships between 1969 and 1980, and Syria acquired two ships in 1972. One vessel was recorded as lost during its service life. The class remained in commission until the mid-1990s, when all remaining units were retired.