Yuriy Ivanov-class (Project 18280)

The Yuriy Ivanov class, designated Project 18280, is a class of signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communication vessels built for the Russian Navy. Designed by the JSC Central Design Bureau "Iceberg," the vessels are constructed at the Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg. The Russian Navy initially planned to build at least four vessels of the class by 2020, but this timeline was subsequently deferred to 2025. Russia signed an additional contract for medium-sized intelligence ships, potentially of this design, at the Army 2021 forum.

Project 18280 vessels are configured for signals intelligence collection and fleet communications support. The design incorporates automation and integrated systems to manage its operations. For self-defense, the vessels carry light anti-aircraft weapons and marine machine-gun installations.

Two vessels have been completed and commissioned. The lead ship, Yuriy Ivanov, was laid down on 27 December 2004, launched on 30 September 2013, and commissioned into the Northern Fleet on 26 July 2015. It remains active as of 2026. The second vessel, Ivan Khurs, was laid down on 14 November 2013, launched on 16 May 2017, and commissioned into the Black Sea Fleet on 25 June 2018.

In late May 2023, during the military invasion of Ukraine, Ivan Khurs was engaged by Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). Russian authorities reported that at least one USV was destroyed by the ship's onboard defensive weapons. Ukrainian military intelligence reported that a drone successfully made contact with the ship. Video footage released on 25 May 2023 showed a USV detonating in close proximity to the hull; however, the vessel later returned to port in Sevastopol under its own power with limited visible damage. The vessel was reportedly struck again in April 2026.