Russia lays down third Project 11711M landing ship Sergey Kabanov to strengthen Arctic Fleet.

On July 8, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Defense held a keel-laying ceremony at the Yantar Baltic Shipyard in Kaliningrad for the Sergey Kabanov, the third ship of the modernized Project 11711M series of large landing ships. The event coincided with the shipyard’s 80th anniversary. The Sergey Kabanov, designated with yard number 305, is being constructed under a revised version of Project 11711 developed by the Nevskoye Design Bureau and is intended for the Northern Fleet, responsible for the operations in the Arctic seas, including the Barents Sea and Kara Sea.
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The Sergey Kabanov is part of a line of modernized landing ships that follow two baseline Project 11711 ships, Ivan Gren and Pyotr Morgunov, and two other 11711M vessels, Vladimir Andreev and Vasily Trushin, which were laid down in April 2019. (Picture source: TASS)

This third Project 11711M landing ship is named after Lieutenant General Sergey Ivanovich Kabanov, a Soviet coastal artillery commander who participated in both the Great Patriotic War and the Soviet–Japanese War. His service included commanding the defense of Hanko in 1941 and holding senior positions within the Baltic, Northern, and Pacific Fleets. According to statements from the shipyard, the Sergey Kabanov is the fifth ship of the broader Project 11711 series and the third built to the upgraded M standard. The ceremony involved the installation of the commemorative keel-laying plate and was attended by officials from the United Shipbuilding Corporation and the Yantar Shipyard leadership. The ship is part of a line of modernized landing ships that follow two baseline Project 11711 ships, Ivan Gren and Pyotr Morgunov, and two other 11711M vessels, Vladimir Andreev and Vasily Trushin, which were laid down in April 2019.

While the first two Project 11711 ships were commissioned into the Northern Fleet in 2018 and 2020, respectively, Vladimir Andreev was launched on May 30, 2025, and is currently undergoing outfitting before sea trials, with delivery planned in 2026. Vasily Trushin remains under construction and is also planned for service in the Pacific Fleet. The Sergey Kabanov is scheduled to be delivered by 2032. According to Russian defense sources and naval experts, the Vladimir Andreev class (11711M) is distinguished from the baseline ships by structural modifications, increased displacement, and enhanced aviation capacity. A fourth ship of this subclass is expected to be laid down by the end of 2025 for the Black Sea Fleet. Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, has stated that the Navy may acquire up to ten vessels of the modernized design.

Project 11711M ships introduce multiple changes over the original Ivan Gren-class vessels. The length of the hull has increased from 135 to 150 meters, the beam from 16.5 to 19.5 meters, and the height from 11.0 to 11.8 meters. The full displacement has risen from 6,600 to approximately 8,000 tons, with some sources suggesting up to 9,240 tons. The propulsion system is based on four 16D49 diesel engines of 6,000 horsepower each, forming two DDA-12000 diesel-reversing gear units connected to two shafts with fixed-pitch propellers. Bow thrusters are included for improved maneuverability. The range has increased from 4,000 to 5,000 nautical miles at cruising speed, while the maximum speed remains 18 knots. Endurance is rated at 30 days. Crew size is around 120 personnel. The ships are capable of transporting up to 13 main battle tanks or 40 armored vehicles, as well as 400 marines, an increase from 300 in the earlier version. Cargo can also include trucks or mixed equipment loads, loaded via both bow ramps and a four-section hatch serviced by a 16-ton crane.

The 11711M ships are equipped with a 76 mm AK-176MA main naval gun, which was not present on the baseline ships. Additional armament includes one AK-630M-2 Duet system (twin 30 mm rotary cannons), two AK-630M single turrets (six-barrel 30 mm), and two 14.5 mm MTPU heavy machine guns. Fire control is managed by the Laska 5P-10-03 system. The ships also include KT-308-04 passive countermeasure launchers. According to Andrey Ivlev, Deputy General Director for Design at the Nevskoye Bureau, current studies are evaluating the integration of new systems for protection against unmanned aerial vehicles and uncrewed surface boats. While specific equipment types have not been confirmed, the design includes modularity for such additions. These developments follow increased interest in anti-drone capabilities after incidents involving unmanned threats to Russian naval vessels. Defensive systems against UAVs and USVs may be installed on all Project 11711M units, including Sergey Kabanov, depending on the outcome of ongoing assessments.

In terms of aviation support, the Sergey Kabanov and other 11711M vessels are equipped with a larger flight deck and hangar, capable of operating up to five helicopters. Depending on configuration, these can include four Ka-52K carrier-based attack helicopters or five Ka-29 transport-assault helicopters. A hangar is provided for helicopter maintenance and storage. The ships may also carry Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles in a deck hangar. In addition, the design allows for the embarkation of up to six Serna-class landing craft. Internal changes include a single integrated superstructure, reconfigured compartments for embarked forces, and updated systems for air conditioning, filtration, and crew accommodation. These modifications were developed following feedback from earlier units and intended to support extended deployments and amphibious operations in distant maritime zones. Modular command areas and expanded crew quarters reflect these operational priorities.

The Yantar Shipyard plays a central role in the construction of these vessels. Founded on July 8, 1945, on the site of the former Schichau-Werke in Königsberg, it is the only Russian shipbuilding enterprise located in the ice-free southeastern Baltic. The shipyard has produced more than 700 vessels, including over 160 warships. In recent years, Yantar has conducted major repairs on its floating docks and contributed to the construction of frigates for India. According to Yantar General Director Ilya Samarin and United Shipbuilding Corporation advisor Vladimir Korolev, the facility has undertaken investments in equipment and workforce development to support serial production of the Project 11711M line. Korolev noted that modern shipbuilding capacity and personnel strength are in place to meet the Navy’s stated intention of acquiring ten ships in the series. Samarin confirmed that Sergey Kabanov is the fifth in the series and the third of the modernized variant, with production continuity ensured by existing contracts and planned future work.

The broader context of the program involves the strategic replacement of Soviet-era landing ships, particularly those lost or damaged in the Black Sea. Since February 2022, Ukraine has successfully targeted multiple Project 775 and Project 1171 ships, including the Minsk, Saratov, Novocherkassk, and Caesar Kunikov. The construction of Vladimir Andreev and Vasily Trushin marked the beginning of Russia’s response to these losses, with both ships initially assigned to the Pacific Fleet. Russian state media later indicated that additional units, including those under construction, may be reassigned to the Black Sea Fleet. As of July 2025, six Project 11711-series ships have been laid down, three have been launched, two are in service, and four additional hulls are planned. The ships are intended for amphibious lift, troop deployment, and potentially the use of UAVs and USVs in operations against submarines, naval mines, and surface threats. Their missions include logistics, convoy escort, and joint sea-air-ground operations, rather than traditional beach landings. This reflects a shift in the operational doctrine of the Russian Navy in response to evolving threat environments and loss replacement requirements.