Tapir

Project 1171 Tapir, NATO reporting name Alligator, was a Soviet large landing ship class developed to carry tanks, troops and cargo directly to shore. It reflected Soviet amphibious requirements for beachable ships that could support regional landings, logistics and expeditionary movement without relying on large port infrastructure.

Tapir ships use a roll-on/roll-off style beaching layout with bow ramp access, diesel propulsion and capacity for vehicles, troops and cargo. Some carried light defensive guns, rockets or MANPADS positions depending on fit. They are transport assets, not heavily protected assault ships, so they rely on escort and sea control.

Operationally, Tapir ships served Soviet, Russian and Ukrainian fleets in amphibious logistics. In the Russia-Ukraine war, Project 1171 ships became visible because amphibious and cargo movement in the Black Sea was strategically important and vulnerable. Their significance is practical lift capacity rather than sophisticated weapons.