"The Russian Defense Minister is considering the matter of ordering Murena and Zubr-class air-cushioned landing craft, with the decision on procurement to be taken after clarification with the state armaments program by the end of the year or by the start of next year," Ponomarev told RIA Novosti at the ongoing KADEX-2016 military hardware exhibition in Kazakhstan.
Hovercraft have the ability to move over land or water, avoid obstacles and deploy troops in the far rear of enemy troops.
Zubr-class project 12322 vessels are the world's largest hovercraft. The vessels are capable of transporting up to three tanks or up to 140 army personnel. Zubr has been in service since 1988.
Tsaplya-class project 12061 Murena hovercraft are designed to deploy troops on an unprepared coast. The vessel can carry one tank or 130 army personnel. The hovercraft has not been ordered by the Russian army since the 1990s.
