Zubr-class (Pomornik)

The Zubr class, designated Project 1232.2 and identified by the NATO reporting name Pomornik, is a class of Soviet-designed air-cushioned landing craft. Development occurred during the 1980s, and the first operational group entered service in 1986. Construction took place at shipyards in Feodosiya, Khabarovsk, and Saint Petersburg. Between 1985 and 2004, fifteen units were completed.

The vessel is designed to sealift amphibious assault units, such as tanks and marines, from equipped or non-equipped ships to unprepared shores. It also functions as a platform for transporting and planting naval mines. The hull is constructed around a rectangular pontoon that provides buoyancy and serves as the main load-carrying structure. The superstructure is divided into three sections by two longitudinal bulkheads. The midsection contains the cargo compartment and tank ramps, while the outboard sections house the propulsion units, troop compartments, and living quarters. The design incorporates vibration-damping materials, sound insulation, and air conditioning. Personnel protection includes alloy armor for the central command post and airtight sealing to defend against weapons of mass destruction. The craft is also equipped with an active system to compensate for magnetic fields to protect against influence mines.

In terms of capacity, the craft can transport three main battle tanks, ten armored vehicles with 230 troops, eight amphibious tanks, or up to 500 personnel. It is capable of negotiating gradients on non-equipped shores and clearing vertical walls. The vessel remains seaworthy in conditions up to Sea State 4.

Operational history began with the Soviet Navy, followed by service in the Russian and Ukrainian navies. In 2000, the Hellenic Navy acquired HS Cephalonia, which was the first Soviet-designed naval craft built for a NATO member. Greece eventually operated four vessels of the class. The Ukrainian Navy retired its units by 2008, with some hulls scrapped and others sold. In 2009, China ordered four vessels from Ukraine, a deal that included the construction of two units in Crimea and two in China. These Chinese variants are designated as the Type 958.

The Russian Navy currently maintains two active units, Evgeniy Kocheshkov and Mordoviya, both serving in the Baltic Fleet. In 2017, Russia announced plans to resume production of the class. Industry representatives subsequently identified the manufacturing of gas-turbine engines and reduction gears as primary challenges for restarting the production line. Two additional modernized units were completed in 2023.