Russia's mighty Ropucha returns. Ukrainian defenders brace for battle as damaged Naval giant is back in action

The Oleniegorskij Gorniak constitutes one of 12 large "Ropucha" type landing ships constructed at the Gdańsk Northern Shipyard. These vessels were primarily employed by the USSR Navy and subsequently by Russia. A powerful feature of the Ropucha is its ability to unload cargo and vehicles directly onto an unprepared shoreline despite its considerable size. Its cargo deck spans approximately 6,458 square feet and can house roughly 20 vehicles or cargo weighing up to 497 tons.

Throughout the military operations against Ukraine, Russia has thus far lost two landing ships of this type, with one being destroyed overnight between December 25 and 26 in Feodosiya. Another vessel is currently undergoing repair and might necessitate substantial refurbishment. Conversely, the Oleniegorskij Gorniak is reverting to service as part of Russia's "Special Operation in Ukraine".

This specific "Ropucha" incurred damage overnight between August 3 and 4, 2023, when the ship was anchored at the Novorossiysk Naval Base (NBWM). The Ukrainian forces deployed a drone named Kozak Mamaj, which collided with the boat and breached its left hull. This resulted in the ship taking on water and subsequently being towed away.

On June 8, the Ropucha was transported to the floating dock of the Novorossiysk Repair Shipyard. As it transpired, the damage was less severe than initially assumed. It could be suggested that Russian forces were fortunate in this instance. If the Ukrainian drone had hit the ship in a different location, the "Ropucha" could have been permanently removed from the war. It appears Ukrainian defenders have gleaned insights from their prior errors, as later attacks have been conducted with heightened precision. Currently, 10 Russian "Ropucha" type landing ships are in service.