Recent commercial satellite imagery reportedly shows five large Zubr-class air-cushion landing craft under construction simultaneously at an outfitting basin at a shipyard in southern China.
If completed and delivered, the five vessels would join the six Zubr-class craft already in service with the Chinese Navy, potentially bringing the fleet to more than 10. The expansion would enhance the Navy’s ability to transport heavy armored vehicles by sea and deploy them directly onto shore.
Originally developed by the Soviet Union, the Zubr is a large amphibious assault hovercraft. Subsequent production involved Russia and Ukraine before China imported the vessels and began domestic production. The craft has a full-load displacement of approximately 555 tons and a payload capacity of 150 tons. It can carry three main battle tanks, eight infantry fighting vehicles, or a large number of landing troops, making it one of the largest military hovercraft currently in service worldwide.
The Zubr has a cruising speed of approximately 55 knots and a range of about 550 kilometers. Its air-cushion design enables it to travel through shallow waters and approach shorelines at high speed, reducing its dependence on water depth and coastal terrain. It can also cross obstacles and difficult terrain, including reefs, shallows, and mudflats, allowing heavy equipment to be delivered rapidly ashore.
Source: Newtalk (Taiwan), November 4, 2026
https://newtalk.tw/news/view/2026-11-04/1069285