Greek Navy 'Zubr Class' hovercraft in drydock

The Greek Navy operates four ships. Three vessels were commissioned in 2001: Kefallonia (L180) was purchased used from the Russian Navy but has been upgraded, Ithaki (L181) was completed in Ukraine, and Zakynthos (L183) was built in Russia. A fourth vessel, Kerkira, was launched in June 2004 at St Petersburg yard and was commissioned in January 2005.

The Russian designed Zubr or Project 1232.2 class (NATO reporting name Pomornik) is the world’s largest military hovercraft and serves as a Landing Craft air-cushion (or LCAC). Note that the Bora is bigger but has side walls so it is not considered a true hovercraft because some of the side structure is in the water.

Zubr is designed to sealift landing assault units (such as marines or tanks) from equipped/non-equipped vessels to non-equipped shore, as well as transport and plant mines.