Serna

The Serna class, Russian Project 11770, was developed as a fast landing craft using an air-cavity system to reduce resistance and improve speed. It entered Russian service in the post-Soviet period and was built for moving troops, vehicles, and supplies from ship or shore to landing areas. The class fits Russia's emphasis on small amphibious craft for coastal and riverine operations, especially where larger landing ships cannot approach directly. It is a landing craft, not a large landing platform dock despite the current category label.

Technically, Project 11770 Serna uses an air cavity under the hull to reduce wetted surface and improve running characteristics. Public profiles describe it as a fast landing craft able to transport armored vehicles, personnel, or cargo over short amphibious distances. Its open-deck utility makes it flexible, but it is not heavily protected and depends on route security, air cover, and landing-zone preparation. The craft's value is speed and payload movement across the last tactical leg of an amphibious operation.

Operationally, Serna-class craft are used to land vehicles, deliver supplies, and shuttle forces in littoral areas. Their small size makes them useful around islands, coastal ports, and shallow approaches, but also vulnerable to drones, missiles, artillery, and mines. The class became more visible during the Russia-Ukraine war, where Russian landing craft in the Black Sea and around Crimea faced significant threat. The Serna entry should therefore emphasize tactical amphibious logistics, speed, and vulnerability rather than treating it as a major warship.