The Zubr-class (known in China as Type 728, NATO reporting name: Pomornik-class) air-cushion landing craft is a large hovercraft designed by the Soviet Union in the late Cold War period, reflecting a focus on large-scale military transport. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine modified the design for export. In 2009, China signed a $315 million agreement with Ukraine to acquire four vessels—two built in Ukraine and two assembled in China from kits—along with the transfer of production technology. By 2017, Chinese defense firms had reportedly overcome key technical barriers and begun domestic production. In 2023, reports indicated that domestically built Zubr-class vessels had entered service with the PLA Navy’s Eastern Theater Command. China is believed to have produced at least five such vessels on its own and plans to further expand to 10–12 units, surpassing Russia (2 vessels) and Greece (4 vessels) to become the largest operator of this class.
The Zubr-class landing craft measures approximately 57 meters in length and has a full-load displacement of about 555 tons, making it the largest hovercraft in the world. Each vessel can carry up to 500 fully equipped troops, or three main battle tanks (MBTs), or ten light armored vehicles (AFVs) along with 230 troops. With a top speed exceeding 55 knots (about 102 km/h), it can rapidly deploy forces directly onto beaches that are inaccessible to conventional landing craft. Compared with traditional amphibious vessels, the Zubr-class is less vulnerable to certain types of naval mines and is capable of making multiple crossings of the Taiwan Strait within a single day, offering high mobility and strong assault capabilities.
This development suggests that China is continuing to expand its amphibious assault capabilities, with potential implications for future operations in areas such as the Taiwan Strait.
Source: Newtalk, March 30, 2026
https://newtalk.tw/news/view/2026-03-30/1027092