Vanya-class minesweeper

The Vanya class were a group of minesweepers built for the Soviet Navy between 1960 and 1973. The Soviet Designation was Project 257.

Design
The ships were designed as coastal mine hunters. The hulls were built out of wood for significantly reduced magnetic signature. Measures were also taken to reduce electrical and acoustic signature. The propellers were fitted without bubble shields. A more advanced version the Project 257DM was introduced in the mid-1960s. The Project 699 was a version with more powerful diesel engines for towing heavier sweeps.

Ships
A total of 47 units were built by shipyards in Kolpino and Vladivostok (3 Project 699).

Exports

 * Bulgaria - 7 ships (1969–1980)
 * Syria - 2 ships (1972)

All ships were retired by the mid-1990s