The Teplokhod class motor minelayer was constructed as inshore motor minelayers intended for laying ground controlled shallow water minefields. Their small size and ability to maneuver in shallow waters made them suited for this task however those same features made it dangerous to operate these ships in open sea.[1]
Finnish Navy operated five ships of this class, Pommi, Miina, Loimu, Lieska and Paukku. They had been left into Finland when Russians withdrew in 1918. It took until 1920 to get them refitted for service. During the Winter War they laid between 1 December and 6 December 1939 total of 352 mines to 12 different minefields.[1] The ships continued to serve in Continuation War in both minelaying as well as in transport roles.
| Name | Previous Name | Commissioned | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loimu | T-21 | 1920-1960s (?) | Stricken from the lists. In civilian use at least until 1990. |
| Lieska | T-16 | 1920-1950s | Stricken from the lists. |
| Paukku | T-15 | 1920-1941 | Foundered in November 1941 |
| Pommi | M-7 | 1920-1950s | Stricken from the lists. |
| Miina | T-17 | 1920-1952 | Stricken from the lists. |
Estonian Navy operated several ships of this class, some of which were taken over by Soviet forces in 1940.
Soviet forces commissioned at least two ships of the class in 1940 for various tasks. One of the ships of this class was scuttled 27 August 1941.