In late 2025, the enigmatic vessel "Voevoda" of Project 23700 was commissioned after a series of tests. Formally, "Voevoda" is intended for search and rescue operations, but there have long been disputes surrounding its real role, noted the publication "Technosphere of Russia."
Project 23700 was developed by "Severnoye Design Bureau," and construction began at the "Yantar" shipyard back in 2017. At that time, the vessel was called the lead in the series, but the tests dragged on for almost eight years.
According to this version, the vessel may carry specialized equipment for underwater operations. There is no official confirmation of this, the authors noted.
There is a structure in our country - the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI). And in some foreign sources, they have already rushed to attribute "Voevoda" to GUGI. They say, a mysterious Russian vessel that will be equipped with secret equipment allowing it to perform underwater work "where needed" and at the same time "disguised" as an ocean superyacht with corresponding characteristics. The version about secret operations is interesting, but we do not undertake to assert that it is plausible.
Main characteristics of Project 23700:
- Displacement - 7500 t
- Length - 111 m
- Width - 24 m
- Speed - up to 22 knots
- Range - 5000 miles
The vessel is capable ofcarrying four boats on board and accommodating two helicopters.
