Russian Navy's newest landing ship floated out

The Russian Navy's newest Project 11711 landing ship was launched into the water for the first time in a ceremony on Friday, May 30.

The future Vladimir Andreyev is the third ship to be built under Project 11711, also known as the Ivan Gren-class. Lead ship Ivan Gren was delivered to the Russian Navy in 2018 while second ship Pyotr Morgunov was handed over in 2020.

Upon completion, Vladimir Andreyev will measure 120 by 16 metres and will be capable of transporting up to 13 main battle tanks or 36 armoured personnel carriers as well as 300 troops.

A flight deck will also be available for use by Ka-52 attack helicopters. Of the Project 11711 ships, only Andreyev and fourth ship Vasily Trushin will be fitted with these flight decks.

The Project 11711 ships are being built by Yantar Baltic Shipbuilding Plant, a division under Russia's state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that another seven vessels in the same class will be constructed, bringing the total number to 11.