First Chinese built Zubr class LCAC for Chinese Navy (PLAN) reaching completion

The first Zubr (project 1232.2) amphibious hovercraft locally built in China is almost complete, as can be seen on a picture that recently emmerged on the Chinese internet. The Chinese Navy has placed an order for four landing craft at a reported cost of 315 million US dollars. Two were built by Feodosiya shipbuilding company and already delivered, and a second pair of vessels are being built in China under the supervision of Ukrainian technicians.

The first Zubr class LCAC built in China is nearing completion

Currently the world’s largest hovercraft, development of Zubr landing ships started in the USSR in 1978, and the first serial ship joined Soviet Navy in 1988. Its carrying capacity is 3 main battle tanks with overall mass of 150 tons or 10 armored personnel carriers weighing up to 131 tons plus 140 marines, or 8 infantry fighting vehicles with mass up to 115 tons. If not carrying armor, Zubr is capable to accommodate 366 men.

In total, 14 Zubr-class ships have been launched; only two of them remain in inventory of Russian Navy. Five ships were decommissioned , two uncompleted, and five sold to Greece for the Hellenic Navy and where they are generally used in support of Special Forces. With the recent Chinese order, the total of Zubr-class ships to have been launched will reach 18.

Taiwan and its allies are concerned that these platforms may be used as part of Chinese offensive against Taiwan. According to sources, the banner displayed at the back of the Chinese built Zubr translates into "Reuniting the Motherland".

According to sources, the banner at the back of the Zubr reads "Reuniting the Motherland".

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