Russian Navy reinforces amphibious warfare capabilities with new landing ship Vladimir Andreev.

On May 30, 2025, the Russian Yantar Shipyard launched the Vladimir Andreev in Kaliningrad, the most modern and heaviest landing ship constructed in post-Soviet Russia. The Project 11711M vessel, laid down on April 23, 2019, is scheduled to join the Pacific Fleet in 2026, and was placed in the PD-8 floating dock before its transfer to the outfitting quay. Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, stated that this third ship in the Project 11711 series incorporated adjustments based on operational experience with the first two ships.
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Unlike the first two Project 11711 landing ships, which only carried small-caliber weapons, the Vladimir Andreev is fitted with a 76 mm AK-176MA naval gun as its primary artillery system. (Picture source: United Shipbuilding Corporation)

The launch reflects the continuation of Russia’s long-term effort to renew its amphibious fleet, which saw considerable degradation after the Soviet era. In the early 2000s, the Russian Navy retained around 20 large landing ships of Projects 775 and 1171, built between 1966 and 1991, many of which were no longer operational. The Project 11711 ships were developed by the Nevskoye Design Bureau as successors to Project 1171 "Tapir." The first hull, Ivan Gren, was laid down in 2004, launched in 2012, and entered service in 2018 after delays due to funding and design changes. The second, Pyotr Morgunov, was laid down in 2015 and joined the Navy in 2020. Both are in service with the Northern Fleet. The modernized Project 11711M subclass was authorized in 2019 to address limitations in layout, capacity, and aviation integration, and consists of two ships: Vladimir Andreev and Vasily Trushin, laid down on the same day. Both ships are designated for the Pacific Fleet. Another pair of ships under this modified design is expected to be laid down before the end of 2025 for future delivery to the Black Sea Fleet.

Compared to their predecessors, the Project 11711M ships feature extended hulls and wider beams. The Vladimir Andreev has a length of 150 meters compared to the original 135 meters, a beam of 19.5 meters instead of 16.5, and a side height of 11.8 meters. These modifications raise the full displacement from 6,600 to approximately 8,000 tons. Although some sources estimate up to 9,240 tons, official documentation confirms 8,000 tons. The speed remains at 18 knots, while operational range has increased from 4,000 to 5,000 nautical miles. This expansion allows greater transport capacity: the ship can carry 40 armored vehicles instead of 36, and 400 troops instead of 300. The ship can also transport up to 13 main battle tanks or combinations of infantry fighting vehicles and trucks. Helicopter capacity has also increased from three to five units, with configurations allowing the embarkation of either four Ka-52K attack helicopters or five Ka-29 assault transport helicopters, supported by a larger flight deck and extended hangar space.

The propulsion system consists of four 16D49 diesel engines producing 6,000 horsepower each, driving two shafts with fixed-pitch propellers and assisted by bow thrusters. The powertrain includes diesel-reversing gear units of the DDA-12000 type and reduction gearboxes built by PAO Zvezda. The onboard electrical and control systems are developed by NPO Avrora. Endurance is reported at 30 days, with a crew complement of 100 and capacity for up to 400 embarked marines. Equipment and troops are loaded via both a stern ramp and cranes. A four-section cargo hatch on the upper deck, coupled with a 16-ton crane, allows vertical access to the vehicle deck. The ship also carries three motorboats for utility transport and may carry up to six Serna-class landing craft. A deck-mounted hangar houses helicopters and facilitates maintenance and storage.

The armament has been updated. Unlike the first two ships, which only carried small-caliber weapons, the Vladimir Andreev is fitted with a 76 mm AK-176MA naval gun as its primary artillery system. Additional armament includes one AK-630M-2 Duet system (2 × 6-barrel 30 mm guns), two single AK-630M turrets (2 × 6-barrel 30 mm), and two 14.5 mm Zhalo-M (MTPU) heavy machine gun mounts. The main fire control system is the Laska 5P-10-03 radar suite, which directs the gun systems. The ship also includes KT-308-04 launchers for passive countermeasures. Previous plans to install the A-190 100 mm gun and Pallas CIWS were not implemented. Although not officially confirmed, the growing need for anti-drone defense suggests the potential future installation of electronic warfare systems or short-range anti-UAV countermeasures, especially as unmanned threats continue to emerge across multiple theaters.

According to sources within the Russian defense industry, the Vladimir Andreev and Vasily Trushin are expected to operate with ship-based Ka-52M helicopters designed to support amphibious operations with precision-guided munitions and real-time target acquisition. This role expansion from conventional troop landing to integrated sea-air-ground operations indicates a doctrinal shift in how the Russian Navy intends to use large landing ships. With improved housing, new modular cabins, upgraded air filtration, and expanded command areas, the Project 11711M ships are designed for longer deployments with extended operational autonomy. Their dimensions and configuration allow them to support both direct landings and over-the-horizon helicopter assaults.

The Vladimir Andreev also holds symbolic significance. It is named after Admiral Vladimir Andreev, who commanded Soviet naval operations in the Pacific in 1945, including the landings on South Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. His career included posts as commander of the North Pacific Flotilla, head of the Navy General Staff Academy, and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. His name was assigned in keeping with the tradition of naming landing ships after military leaders associated with amphibious operations. Its sister ship, Vasily Trushin, is named after a Hero of the Soviet Union who distinguished himself during the 1945 campaign against Japan. Both vessels were planned as part of a limited run of four units, with future expansion subject to performance assessments and budgetary allocations.

The launching of Vladimir Andreev is a key step in Russia’s efforts to modernize its amphibious warfare capabilities using existing shipbuilding infrastructure. The Yantar Shipyard has already produced over 160 warships and 500 commercial vessels since its founding in 1945. Located in the ice-free southeastern Baltic, the facility plays a central role in Russia’s naval construction programs. The Vladimir Andreev, designated as Yard No. 303, is the first ship of its class to be launched in the current production phase. The second, Vasily Trushin (Yard No. 304), is expected to be launched in December 2025 and delivered in 2026–2027. The next two Project 11711M ships, still unnamed, are planned to be laid down by the end of 2025, with projected entry into service around 2032–2033. These ships are expected to reinforce the Black Sea Fleet. The series may ultimately expand to include additional hulls, depending on funding and strategic priorities established by the Ministry of Defense.