Recently, satellite images have revealed that Russia is constructing a brand new 23900 Rogov-class amphibious assault ship in the eastern part of the Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine had previously launched an airstrike on the shipyard in 2023, destroying a Russian escort ship. When will Russia’s newly built drone carrier become a target for Ukraine’s attacks?
The satellite images show the ongoing construction of the new large amphibious assault ship of the 23900 class in a shipyard on the Crimean Peninsula. This shipyard is located in the Zaliv Shipyard in eastern Crimea. As early as November 2023, the Ukrainian military had previously attacked this location, sinking a Russian escort ship.
Let’s take a closer look at what Russia’s new 23900 class amphibious assault ship really looks like.
The 23900 assault ship has a displacement of 40,000 tons and a length of 220 meters, making it the largest ship built by Russia post-Cold War. In 2010, Russia had ordered two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships from France. However, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the conflict in eastern Ukraine, France refused to deliver the Mistral-class ships to Russia after their construction was completed.
The Mistral-class amphibious assault ship was designed by the French Navy to enhance its amphibious warfare capabilities, replacing traditional landing ships. It has a full load displacement of 21,500 tons, a length of 199 meters, and can carry 450 soldiers, 70 tanks, or 13 Leclerc main battle tanks. It is equipped with either 4 mechanized landing craft or 2 air-cushioned landing craft.
The Mistral-class’s self-defense system is relatively limited, with only two Mistral-style portable air defense missile systems and several machine guns. This defense system may be insufficient even compared to larger aircraft carriers and amphibious landing ships. Starting from 2010, the French Navy began installing multiple remote weapon stations on the Mistral-class ships for close-range self-defense during anti-piracy operations and drone interception.
The Mistral-class ships feature six helicopter landing pads and can accommodate 16 heavy helicopters or up to 30 light helicopters. They also house a field hospital with over 20 operating rooms, 69 beds, CT scanners, ultrasound equipment, and even radiology.
The lead ship, “Mistral,” was launched in 2004, and a total of three Mistral-class amphibious assault ships were procured by the French Navy. In 2010, Russia and France reached an agreement to purchase two Mistral-class ships. However, due to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Western countries imposed an arms embargo on Russia, leading to the cancellation of the sale of the newly built Mistral-class ships to Russia. In 2015, France and Egypt reached an agreement to sell these two ships, originally intended for Russia, for 9.5 billion euros.
Without the Mistral-class ships from France, Russia decided to build its own. With the sole aircraft carrier, the Kuznetsov, frequently under repair or on fire, it is distant from becoming operational again. In modern warfare, the role of these 30,000 to 40,000-ton amphibious assault ships is increasingly significant as they can assist in amphibious landing operations. If Russia had sufficient amphibious warfare capabilities during a conflict with Ukraine, it could potentially conduct amphibious landings near Odessa.
Furthermore, these large landing ships can also serve as command ships. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet flagship, the “Moscow,” was sunk by Ukraine three years ago, and its Kirov-class cruisers are gradually being retired, leaving Russia without suitable command ships across its branches.
Additionally, these ships can function as unmanned aerial vehicle carriers. Modern warfare has highlighted the significant impact of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). UAVs are smaller and lighter, requiring lower takeoff conditions compared to carrier-based aircraft. Russia’s newly developed S-70 “Hunter” UAV is planned to be deployed on the Rogov-class amphibious assault ships. Although the S-70 appears basic in design, once deployed on the Rogov-class ships, it will transform into an “unmanned aircraft carrier”.
Looking at the Rogov-class ship, it surpasses the French Mistral-class by a considerable margin – its full load displacement is 40,000 tons, with a maximum speed of 22 knots. It can carry 75 armored vehicles and four mechanized landing craft. The ship’s hangar can accommodate up to 20 helicopters, primarily the Russian-made Ka-27, Ka-29, and Ka-52. The Ka-27 and Ka-29 are utility transport helicopters capable of carrying 16 troops or 4000 kg of cargo, whereas the Ka-52 is an attack helicopter dedicated to ground support.
Externally, the Rogov-class ship differs from the sleek design of Western warships – its bridge is large and tall, appearing somewhat bulky and lacking in coordination. Besides serving as a command center, it likely reserves space in the rear for the diesel engine exhaust system.
In 2020, the Russian Navy officially placed orders to simultaneously construct two Rogov-class ships at the Zaliv Shipyard in eastern Crimea; one for the Black Sea Fleet and the other for the Pacific Fleet. If construction progresses as planned, these two ships are expected to become flagships for their respective fleets.
Originally scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027, current satellite images reveal that after five years of construction, the ships’ hulls are still incomplete, let alone launched, indicating they are far from completion. Factoring in outfitting, testing, and sea trials, their delivery to the Navy may be delayed until 2030. Given the current pace of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there is a risk of the ships being targeted before completion.
Ukraine has long had its eye on Crimea. In the autumn of 2023, Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale attack in Crimea, primarily targeting two locations – the Sevastopol port and Kerch on the eastern side of Crimea.
In September’s assault, Ukraine used multiple unmanned surface vessels and Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike the Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters in Sevastopol. A Kilo-class submarine and a “Lizzard” class landing ship undergoing repairs in dry dock became prime targets.
Subsequently, on October 4th, Ukraine targeted the Zaliv Shipyard. The 22800-class corvette “Askel” was hit, a vessel with a displacement of fewer than 1000 tons and equipped with 8 vertical launch units for Kalibr cruise missiles. The ship’s superstructure and radar were severely damaged, rendering it almost inoperable.
These series of attacks illustrate Ukraine’s capability to strike any military target in Crimea. While the “Rogov” class ship was not targeted previously due to its unfinished state, Ukraine may plan a “precision decapitation” strike when it nears completion.
Currently, Ukraine possesses a variety of long-range strike capabilities, including the Storm Shadow missiles from the UK, possibly the Taurus missiles from Germany, with a range of 500 kilometers, and ATACMS tactical missiles provided by the USA, capable of striking 300 kilometers and targeting shipyards in eastern Crimea. Furthermore, Ukraine has developed an enhanced version of the Neptune missile with an 800-kilometer range, extending beyond Crimea’s boundaries to potentially reach Moscow.
In conclusion, if I were part of the Russian Navy, I would undoubtedly be concerned. The day these two drone carriers are completed could very well be the day Ukraine’s missiles target them. Three years ago, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the “Moscow,” was sunk by Neptune missiles, and these Rogov-class amphibious assault ships, set to become the future flagships of the Black Sea Fleet, may never leave the shipyard and instead become Ukraine’s next target.
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