Russia Launches Upgraded Amphibious Warship 'Vladimir Andreyev' to Bolster Pacific Fleet

In a significant step towards modernizing its naval forces, Russia launched a powerful new amphibious landing ship, the RFS Vladimir Andreyev, on May 30th at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. This vessel represents the latest evolution in Russia’s Project 11711M line of landing ships and is part of a broader effort to replace aging Soviet-era vessels in the country’s fleet.

The launch ceremony was attended by top naval officials, including Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, the Commander of the Russian Navy, along with representatives from the United Shipbuilding Company and Yantar Shipyard. Although the ship has been ceremonially launched and placed in floating dock PD-8, it may remain there for some time as work continues inside the vessel. This is a common practice in Russian shipbuilding, allowing for final outfitting and systems installation before full float-out.

The Vladimir Andreyev, designated hull number 303, was originally laid down in April 2019 along with its sister ship, the RFS Vasily Trushin. Although both ships were initially expected to join the Russian Navy in 2023 and 2024, their commissioning has now been delayed until 2026. Once completed, both vessels will be deployed with Russia’s Pacific Fleet, replacing older landing ships from the Ropucha and Tapir classes.

Though officially part of the Ivan Gren class, the Vladimir Andreyev is a major upgrade over its predecessors, the RFS Ivan Gren and RFS Pyotr Morgunov. The new vessel is roughly 40% larger, with an estimated full-load displacement of up to 9,500 tons compared to the earlier 6,000-ton design. Its enhanced size allows for a larger helideck, a more spacious unified superstructure, and significantly expanded internal vehicle storage decks.

These improvements offer a substantial boost in operational capacity. While the original Ivan Gren-class could carry 13 main battle tanks or 36 BTR infantry vehicles along with 300 naval troops, the Vladimir Andreyev is capable of transporting double that number. It can reportedly hold 26 tanks or up to six companies of infantry fighting vehicles. A more realistic deployment would include a mix of three infantry companies and one tank company—essentially a naval infantry battalion.

The ship’s aviation capabilities have also been enhanced. It can host up to four helicopters, including Ka-29 transport models or the Ka-52K attack helicopters, which were originally designed for Russia’s ill-fated Mistral-class project with France. The Ka-52K, with its foldable rotors and reinforced landing gear, can operate from the helideck and is capable of launching advanced missiles like the Kh-35 and Kh-38, adding a potent airstrike element to amphibious operations.

The Vladimir Andreyev is powered by four 6,000 hp 16D49 diesel engines, offering more thrust compared to the two 5,200 hp engines on earlier ships in the class. Additionally, the vessel features an extra bow thruster, improving its ability to maneuver during docking and beach landings—an essential feature for amphibious warfare.

While this ship and its sister vessel mark a leap forward for Russian amphibious capability, the future of the Project 11711M series remains uncertain. Reports in late 2023 suggested that two additional ships could be built at Yantar Shipyard for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. This proposal arose in response to significant losses suffered by the Russian Navy in the Black Sea, where one Tapir-class and three Ropucha-class ships were reportedly destroyed during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

For now, the Vladimir Andreyev stands as a symbol of Russia’s intent to renew its naval strength, particularly in its Pacific operations, and underscores its ongoing investment in advanced, large-scale amphibious capabilities. Whether more of these ships will follow remains to be seen, but their current development clearly signals a shift in how Russia envisions future naval warfare.