Construction is underway at the Zaliv Shipyard. Satellite images from April 2025 showed notable progress in hull assembly compared to 2024. By March 2026, the flight deck and superstructure are largely formed, although the bow section of the hull still appears incomplete.
Earlier imagery indicated that Ivan Rogov would measure approximately 220 meters in length and 40 meters in width, potentially making it the largest ship in russia's Black Sea Fleet. However, the vessel still needs to be completed, launched, and undergo sea trials before entering service.
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The keel for this amphibious assault ship was laid in July 2020, with sea trials currently planned for 2027. Whether russia will meet this timeline remains uncertain.
Current russian plans call for the construction of two Project 23900 Priboy amphibious assault ships. Work on the second vessel has not yet started, as Zaliv Shipyard has only one dry dock of sufficient size, which is currently occupied by Ivan Rogov. The ship's estimated cost is around 100 billion rubles, or approximately $1.2 billion at current exchange rates.
According to disclosed specifications, Ivan Rogov is expected to have a full displacement of up to 30,000 tons, with the capacity to carry up to 900 naval infantry personnel, 75 vehicles, and three landing craft, in addition to its helicopter air group.
The Kremlin appears to view the completion of Ivan Rogov as a matter of geopolitical prestige, continuing construction despite clear vulnerabilities, particularly the exposure of temporarily occupied Crimea to strikes by Ukraine's Defense Forces.
In this context, one obvious option would be to target the dry dock at Zaliv Shipyard along with the ship itself. However, an asymmetric approach may prove more effective. Specifically, Ukraine could target the energy infrastructure in occupied Crimea that supports russia's defense industry, including the construction of Ivan Rogov.
Earlier, Defense Express also reported on the unusual russian Nikolay Kamov helicopter trainer ship, roughly the size of a corvette, which carries only a single Ka-52 helicopter and entered sea trials in summer 2025.
The 413th Raid Regiment of the Unmanned Systems Forces is currently raising funds to support its anti-air UAV unit. Donations can be made via the following details:
Jar link: https://send.monobank.ua/jar/5dZxSu9x4B
Card number: 4874 1000 2019 7854
Ivan Kyrychevskyi, serviceman of the 413th Raid Regiment of the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine and weapons expert at Defense Express.
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