Russian Navy develops new Project 117113 Cayman-class to modernize Ivan Gren landing ships.

On November 29, 2024, the Russian Navy announced plans to modernize its Ivan Gren-class landing ships by introducing the new Project 117113 Cayman. The new variant, developed by the Nevskoye Design Bureau under the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), was presented at the International Maritime Defense Show "Fleet-2024" in Kronstadt. The Project 117113 Cayman aims to enhance the Russian Navy's ability to conduct troop landings, transport combat vehicles, and carry cargo. It incorporates operational feedback and addresses limitations identified in earlier models.
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The new Project 117113 Cayman will bring enhanced transport capacity, improved defensive systems, modular design, and increased compatibility with UAVs and helicopters compared to earlier Ivan Gren landing ships. (Picture source: USC)

The modernization under Project 117113 Cayman includes updates to increase the Ivan Gren's transport and defensive capacities. It also improves compatibility with UAVs and helicopters and incorporates modular design features. The ship is equipped with systems for countering drones, air threats, and sea threats. Its armament includes AK-630 guns and heavy machine guns, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Fire control can be managed either through an integrated system or manually. Adjustments to the superstructure enhance the placement of radar and electronic systems. Modifications to life raft arrangements, boats, and the AK-630M-2 "Duet" system improve targeting effectiveness against aerial and uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs).

The Project 117113 Cayman measures 150 meters in length, 19.5 meters in width, and has a draft of 4.5 meters. It has a displacement of 8,000 tonnes and achieves a maximum speed of 18 knots. The ship can operate autonomously for 30 days. It accommodates a crew of 120 and can transport 400 marines, 40 armored vehicles, and various helicopters or UAVs. Its flight deck allows simultaneous helicopter operations, increasing operational flexibility.

The Ivan Gren-class landing ships, including earlier vessels like Ivan Gren and Pyotr Morgunov, were designed to enhance the Russian Navy's amphibious capabilities. They also replace the older Project 1171 Tapir-class ships, which have been in service since the 1960s. The lead ship, Ivan Gren, was laid down in December 2004 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. It was launched in May 2012 and commissioned in June 2018. The second ship, Pyotr Morgunov, was laid down in October 2014 and commissioned in December 2020. These ships, with a displacement of 6,000 tons, can carry up to 13 main battle tanks or 36 armored personnel carriers, along with 300 marines. They feature a hangar for two Ka-27 or Ka-29 helicopters and are powered by Kolomna 10D49 diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 18 knots and a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 16 knots.

The Ivan Gren-class, designated Project 11711, comprises two landing ships designed for amphibious operations, capable of transporting up to 13 main battle tanks or 40 armored vehicles, along with 300 troops. (Picture source: Russian social media)

In April 2019, the Russian Navy expanded the class with two modified vessels, Vladimir Andreev and Vasily Trushin. These enhanced ships have an increased displacement, ranging from 7,000 to 8,000 tons, and larger dimensions. The modifications include a redesigned superstructure and a longer hull. They accommodate up to four helicopters, including Ka-52K attack helicopters, with the capability to operate two simultaneously. The propulsion system was upgraded to 16D49 diesel engines to support the increased size while maintaining performance. These ships can transport up to 500 marines, doubling the capacity of the original design.

To address export demand, the Project 11711E, an export version of the Ivan Gren-class landing ships, was unveiled in 2021. With a displacement of 6,600 tonnes and a length of 135 meters, this variant offers a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 16 knots. It can carry 300 personnel and vehicles such as 13 heavy or 30 automotive vehicles. The ship is armed with AK-630M or AK-630M2 guns and features advanced radar systems, including Pozitiv-ME and Bagira. It supports a 12-tonne helicopter and deploys three high-speed boats.

Future developments in the Russian Navy’s amphibious capabilities include the Project 23900 amphibious assault ships. Designed as replacements for the canceled Mistral-class vessels, the lead ship, Ivan Rogov, was laid down in July 2020 at the Zaliv Shipyard in Kerch, Crimea. These ships have a displacement of approximately 40,000 tons, a length of 220 meters, and a beam of 38 meters. They are designed to carry up to 900 marines, 75 armored vehicles, and 21 helicopters, including models such as the Ka-27, Ka-29, Ka-31, and Ka-52K. The propulsion system combines 16D49 turbo diesels and M90FR gas turbines. This enables speeds of 22 knots and a range of 6,000 miles. The Navy plans to commission two units, with deliveries expected in the late 2020s.