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AllAfrica
08-07-2025
- Science
- AllAfrica
China's sea-skimming 'monster' surfaces with stealth
China's 'Bohai Sea Monster' just surfaced – an experimental sea-skimming aircraft that blurs the line between ship and plane, promising stealthy speed but raising strategic questions. This month, The War Zone (TWZ) reported that the first full image of China's experimental wing-in-ground effect (WIG) craft, unofficially dubbed the 'Bohai Sea Monster,' surfaced this week, providing unprecedented insight into its design and potential applications. Initially observed in obscured imagery on a Bohai Sea pier, the aircraft exhibits characteristics reminiscent of the AG600 amphibious flying boat and the US Liberty Lifter, both designed for high-speed, low-altitude transport across littoral zones. Equipped with a joined v-tail, wingtip sponsons, amidships floats, composite structure, and a stepped hull, the WIG's configuration favors cargo delivery and personnel recovery while minimizing radar exposure and vulnerability to naval threats. Propulsion remains uncertain; while jet-engine exhausts are suggested, visual inconsistencies raise the possibility of turboprop or hybrid-electric systems. The aircraft's potential roles span logistics, search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and contested combat zone recovery missions, particularly within China's immediate maritime vicinity. Given China's geographic advantage and increasing focus on maritime power projection, this platform may serve as either a technology demonstrator or precursor to scaled production. Analysts expect further imagery and technical data to emerge, enhancing clarity on China's ambitions in leveraging ground-effect technologies for strategic mobility and survivability in near-sea operations. The main tactical advantage of WIG craft is that they are designed to fly just above the water's surface, allowing them to be much faster and more efficient than ships while staying below the radar horizon. However, Anil Chopra notes in a July 2022 article for the Center of Air Power Studies (CAPS) that WIG aircraft face notable limitations, including maneuverability constraints in congested environments, susceptibility to obstacle interference and vulnerability under severe weather conditions. Chopra adds that while advantageous in low-altitude flight for radar evasion, their reliance on stable sea states – especially during amphibious operations – may impair mission continuity. He further explains that despite improved endurance and payload over vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems, WIG platforms require extensive infrastructure, such as large hangars, and offer limited altitude flexibility for tactical repositioning. Chopra notes that adverse conditions may necessitate a diversion to higher altitudes, which reduces stealth benefits. He also highlights that radar detection remains feasible at ultra-low altitudes, potentially compromising survivability against integrated air defenses. Production viability may also be in question. As Justin Katz observes in a November 2022 article for Breaking Defense, the Soviet Union built several WIG craft, such as the Lun-class, but failed to produce a design viable for mass production. The implication for China is that despite technological advances, moving from prototype to fleet-scale deployment remains a formidable challenge. At the operational level, China's WIG craft may play critical roles in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and possibly beyond the First Island Chain. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported in April 2023 that a WIG based in Hainan could reach any point in the disputed South China Sea within four hours and transport passengers or cargo between Chinese-controlled islands in the region. SCMP notes that WIGs could be critical assets for a fast transport network between China and its occupied islands in the South China Sea. In a Taiwan Strait conflict, H.I. Sutton notes in a June 2025 Naval News article, China's new WIG would be particularly suited for amphibious landing operations. The author points out that some Soviet designs were intended to deliver troops and armored vehicles directly onto enemy beaches. Supporting this notion, Walker Mills and other writers in a September 2020 Proceedings article describe how a fleet of 10 Soviet Lun-class WIGs could cross the Baltic Sea with minimal radar signature in just 12 minutes and land 5,000 troops without warning. However, the Taiwan Strait presents environmental challenges that could limit WIG use during an invasion. In a November 2024 report for the US Naval War College, Andrew Erickson and other authors note that China faces numerous obstacles in executing an amphibious assault across the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan Strait presents environmental challenges that could limit WIG use during an invasion They point out that the strait's 130-kilometer-wide waters are prone to rough sea states, limiting viable landing days to about 10 per month during favorable seasons. They add that the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) amphibious sealift capability is insufficient to sustain a large-scale, multi-wave landing force. Moreover, they state that Taiwan's coastal topography – characterized by cliffs, narrow beaches and urban sprawl – further constrains viable landing zones. They also mention that Taiwan's precision strike capabilities, layered coastal defenses and early warning systems would likely disrupt cross-strait logistics and troop buildup. Beyond transport roles, China may consider constructing a combat variant of its WIG. Michael Knickerbocker notes in a March 2022 article for the Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) that wing-in-ground maritime attack craft (WMACs) offer disruptive tactical advantages by exploiting radar limitations with low-elevation, sea-skimming profiles and unpredictable flight patterns. Knickerbocker explains that WMACs – capable of exceeding 250 knots within surface ducting zones – can evade radar filters by mimicking false tracks, stress-testing watch stander training and radar logic. Their small crew requirements, short launch distances, and integration of countermeasures enhance survivability while executing off-axis anti-ship missile strikes. H.I. Sutton illustrates Knickerbocker's ideas in an August 2020 article, noting that the Soviet Lun-class WIG was built to attack US Navy warships in a coastal defense role, operating as a missile boat capable of covering a much larger area. Sutton adds that a three-ship formation of Lun-class WIGs could close in to within 35 kilometers of a target vessel—nearly point-blank range for their Moskit supersonic anti-ship missiles, leaving minimal reaction time for defenses. He notes that a single Moskit missile has a range of 96 kilometers, and three Lun-class WIGs could collectively fire 18 such missiles at Mach 3. Yet Sutton points out that the Lun-class WIG was vastly inferior to the Tu-22 bomber in maritime strike roles, rendering it a costly and limited alternative to conventional airpower. Similarly, China now fields the KD-21 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), which can be deployed from H-6K strategic bombers, possibly rendering a future combat WIG redundant. Whether it becomes a game-changer or an expensive curiosity, China's sea-skimming 'monster' is making waves, above and below the radar.
Economic Times
07-07-2025
- Economic Times
Cold War tech reborn? Meet the Bohai Sea Monster: China's mysterious flying ship could change naval warfare
China unveils its mysterious jet-powered ekranoplan, the Bohai Sea Monster, built for stealthy, fast sea-level flights. This massive ground-effect vehicle could transform amphibious transport and military logistics, echoing Soviet designs and rivaling the U.S. Liberty Lifter program. Synopsis China's jet-powered ekranoplan, nicknamed the Bohai Sea Monster, has finally been seen in full, sparking new interest in this Cold War-era technology. This wing-in-ground effect vehicle is designed to fly just above the sea, combining the speed of aircraft with the stealth and flexibility of hovercraft. Spotted on the Bohai Sea, the mysterious grey craft features four jet engines, a flying boat hull, and military camouflage, indicating a possible amphibious role. With China investing heavily in aviation-tech like the AG600, this new ekranoplan might reshape future transport, logistics, or military operations across contested waters like the South China Sea. China's jet-powered ekranoplan spotted for the first time: Could this 'Bohai Sea Monster' redefine sea-air transport in military operations?- China's jet-powered ekranoplan — a new type of ultra-low-flying aircraft also known as the 'Bohai Sea Monster' — has been spotted for the first time in full. The craft, which flies just above water using ground effect, has drawn comparisons to Cold War-era Soviet 'sea monsters' like the Caspian Sea Monster and Lun-class ekranoplans. Unlike traditional aircraft, ekranoplans (wing-in-ground effect vehicles) use the cushion of air near the surface to fly more efficiently and below radar, offering speed advantages over ships while evading many sea-based threats. ADVERTISEMENT This new Chinese ekranoplan, spotted docked at a Bohai Sea pier, appears to be a major step forward in China's ongoing push for innovative maritime and amphibious technology. Although its name, model number, and developer remain unconfirmed, the aircraft's size, features, and military-style grey paint strongly suggest a high-level defense project. An ekranoplan is not a boat, not a plane, and not a hovercraft — but it borrows features from all three. These aircraft use 'ground effect,' a cushion of air trapped between the wings and water surface, to glide just meters above sea level. This makes them faster than ships, more fuel-efficient than low-flying aircraft, and able to stay under radar horizons. This hybrid combines the speed of an aircraft, the stealth of a hovercraft, and the payload capacity of a ship. It features: Four jet engines mounted high on the wings A flying boat-style hull for amphibious landings Naval gray camouflage, indicating a potential military role This isn't just a stunt—China has been ramping up aviation-related amphibious programs, such as the AG600, showing growing interest in air-sea hybrid tech for use in contested waters like the South China Sea. The Soviet Union built massive ekranoplans in the 1960s-1980s, such as the 544-ton Caspian Sea Monster and missile-equipped Lun-class types. However, after the USSR collapsed, the technology was largely abandoned. Despite numerous attempts to revive ekranoplan programs, few large-scale designs have been built in the last 30 years — until now. ADVERTISEMENT The newly photographed Chinese ekranoplan is the largest and most advanced design seen globally since the Soviet era. Key features include: Four jet engines mounted above its wings — with flattened exhaust nozzles, likely for directing thrust downward during takeoff and landing. A T-tail structure with dual vertical stabilizers, commonly seen in past ekranoplan designs but rare in conventional aircraft. Short wingspan and oversized rear section, both trademarks of ekranoplan engineering focused on lift and stability in ground effect flight. Grey camouflage paint, typically used for military transport or amphibious roles. Wingtip sponsons (floats) and a stepped flying-boat hull, allowing both sea landings and ground effect operations. Large side cargo door, suggesting potential use in logistics, troop transport, or search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. The aircraft's full-scale appearance and build quality make it one of the most ambitious ekranoplan projects seen in decades. ADVERTISEMENT While Chinese authorities have not confirmed its role, several signs point toward a military application, possibly focused on: Rapid amphibious transport across the Taiwan Strait or South China Sea islands. Supplying island garrisons in contested areas like the Spratlys. Recovering downed pilots or equipment quickly in near-shore regions. Potentially supporting anti-submarine warfare or maritime patrols, given its low-flying stealth profile and mobility. That said, China is also developing the AVIC AG600 flying boat, a massive amphibious plane for SAR and firefighting, which this ekranoplan may complement in dual civilian-military operations. ADVERTISEMENT One major question remains: is the Bohai Sea Monster jet-powered or propeller-driven? Earlier images suggested the nacelles could house turboprops, but the latest photos show large jet-style exhausts and possible upper intakes — a sign it may be a jet-powered or hybrid-electric platform. HI Sutton of Naval News, who first reported the discovery, notes that the propulsion details are still unclear due to low image resolution. There could be dual-inlet designs, spindles, or even electric-assist fans for quieter, stealthier missions. Either way, this is no conventional aircraft, and propulsion innovation is likely part of its test mission. ADVERTISEMENT The U.S. isn't building ekranoplans—but it doesn't need to. Its response lies in a multi-layered defense strategy, cutting-edge technology, and forward-deployed forces. Here's how the U.S. can counter China's Bohai Sea Monster: The U.S. military uses a joint Navy-Air Force strategy known as JAM-GC (Joint Access and Maneuver in the Global Commons), formerly AirSea Battle. It's designed to overwhelm threats in denied environments like the South China Sea by combining assets across land, air, sea, space, and cyber. Rather than relying on large aircraft carriers alone, the U.S. Navy is spreading its power across smaller, networked vessels. This 'distributed lethality' approach complicates any attack plan—and is perfect for tracking and responding to fast, low-flying platforms like ekranoplans. The Navy's Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) and Naval Integrated Fire Control systems fuse data from multiple sources—like satellites, drones, F-35s, and destroyers—to detect threats like the Bohai Sea Monster early and respond fast with long-range missiles. Long-range weapons like the SM-6, Tomahawk, and the new Typhon launcher can be deployed on ships or land. They can intercept or neutralize WIG vehicles before they reach operational range. To confuse or disable the Bohai Sea Monster's navigation and targeting systems, the U.S. could deploy electronic warfare (EW) jamming, cyber attacks, or decoy drones—an updated take on Cold War-style disruption tactics. Autonomous drones, both on the sea and below it, can be used to patrol, detect, or intercept these low-altitude machines. The U.S. is already deploying these in the Indo-Pacific, learning from Ukraine's innovative use of drone boats against larger vessels. The U.S. Navy still holds a major edge in stealth submarine operations. Combined with undersea listening posts and sensors, they provide constant intelligence and tracking—especially in chokepoints where ekranoplans may operate. High-speed threats require high-speed responses. The Navy is testing hypersonic interceptors and ship-based lasers that could knock out fast, low-flying targets before they strike. There is speculation that this aircraft could be: A full-scale operational prototype, perhaps ready for flight testing. A technology demonstrator, testing composites, radar reduction, and lift efficiency. A subscale model to inform even larger ekranoplan systems in the future. Interestingly, the design resembles the U.S. Liberty Lifter concept — a DARPA-funded WIG aircraft meant for heavy cargo lift across Pacific distances. Like the Liberty Lifter, China's ekranoplan aims to fill critical logistics gaps in wartime and peacetime, especially where airfields or deepwater ports are unavailable. As tensions rise in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is preparing for unconventional mobility and logistics needs. The ekranoplan's advantages — fast, stealthy, amphibious — make it suitable for: Beating maritime blockades Evading radar for rapid coastal insertions Delivering personnel or cargo directly onto beaches Supporting island-hopping strategies Moreover, operating close to its home turf gives China flexibility that the U.S. would lack in distant waters. China's investment in ekranoplan technology is no gimmick. The Bohai Sea Monster could offer stealthy, high-speed mobility in regions like the South China Sea—giving Beijing a new edge in gray-zone and conventional operations. But the U.S. isn't standing still. With its networked combat systems, forward presence, and multi-domain firepower, it has more than enough to counter such threats—whether above, on, or under the sea. The new Cold War tech may be rising again—but this time, the battle will be fought with smarter weapons, faster sensors, and unmanned defenders. With just one grainy full photo available so far, experts believe more details will emerge in coming months as satellite imagery, social media posts, or leaked footage surfaces. Given China's trend of unveiling prototypes only after months of secret development, we could be witnessing the start of a new era in sea-air transport. If proven successful, the Bohai Sea Monster might inspire similar projects in other countries — or become a key component in China's future amphibious strategy. Q1: What is China's jet-powered ekranoplan used for? It's likely built for fast amphibious transport and island resupply missions. Q2: Why is the Bohai Sea Monster important now? It marks China's biggest ekranoplan since the Cold War, signaling a new military-tech shift. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
The Star
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
China approves world's biggest amphibious plane, AG600, for mass production
China's home-grown AG600, the world's largest amphibious aircraft, has been given the green light for mass production, marking a step forward in building an independent and globally competitive aviation industry. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certified the plane on Wednesday, confirming that its developer, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic), has established a reliable system to consistently produce aircraft that meet safety standards, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Avic said the approval was a milestone towards a 'more high-end and standardised' civil aviation manufacturing sector, and that it 'strengthened China's ability to independently build a complete civil aviation ecosystem', CCTV reported. The development is part of China's broader push to build a self-reliant civil aviation industry and position itself as a major player in the global sector. The goal has gained urgency in light of the United States' recent technology curbs, including restrictions on jet engine exports. The AG600 is one of three large aircraft developed domestically, alongside the Y-20 strategic transport plane and the C919 narrowbody airliner – both in active service. China developed the AG600 to meet urgent needs in emergency rescue and natural disaster prevention and control, state media previously reported. With a maximum take-off weight of 60 tonnes and a practical range of 4,500 kilometres, the aircraft can carry up to 12 tonnes of water for firefighting missions. The AG600's development involved hundreds of supporting enterprises and tens of thousands of components, underscoring China's ability to coordinate the design and manufacturing of large specialised aircraft, as well as managing their complex supply chains, according to state news agency Xinhua. The project also provided 'replicable management experience and technical standards for future domestically developed aircraft', the report added. The AG600 entered batch production and final assembly in July last year, with the CAAC issuing a type certificate – confirming its design meets airworthiness standards – in April. Avic now plans to expand the AG600 product line and strengthen the country's aviation-based emergency response capabilities, according to Xinhua. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
South China Morning Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
State of US-China trade ties, Beijing's tariff relief for Africa: SCMP daily highlights
Catch up on some of SCMP's biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing After two days of closely watched trade talks between the United States and China in London, US President Donald Trump has declared the negotiations have led to a wide-ranging deal to maintain the fragile truce laid out after earlier talks in Geneva. China's home-grown AG600, the world's largest amphibious aircraft, has been given the green light for mass production, marking a step forward in building an independent and globally competitive aviation industry. Illustration: Henry Wong Many who entered university during Trump's first trade war with China are ready to become key cogs in China's hi-tech engine.
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Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
China clears world's largest amphibious aircraft AG600 for production
China's domestically developed AG600, the world's largest amphibious aircraft, has received approval for mass production. This marks a major step forward in the country's aim to build a self-reliant and competitive aviation industry, the South China Morning Post reported. On Wednesday, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certified the AG600, confirming that its developer, the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (Avic), has a dependable production system in place. According to state broadcaster CCTV, this means Avic can now consistently manufacture aircraft that meet national safety standards. Avic described the approval as a major breakthrough in advancing China's civil aviation sector. The certification would help create a 'more high-end and standardised' industry and 'strengthened China's ability to independently build a complete civil aviation ecosystem", CCTV reported. A push for aviation independence The AG600's clearance comes at a time when China is focused on building its own aviation capabilities. The government has been working to reduce reliance on foreign technology, especially after the United States imposed export restrictions, including limits on jet engine supplies. Designed for rescue and firefighting China created the AG600 to support emergency rescue missions and natural disaster management. State media have reported that the aircraft was designed with firefighting and relief operations in mind. The aircraft can carry up to 12 tonnes of water, with a maximum take-off weight of 60 tonnes. It has a flying range of up to 4,500 km, making it ideal for wide-area operations. According to state news agency Xinhua, the AG600 project involved hundreds of companies and tens of thousands of components. This highlights China's ability to manage large-scale, complex aviation programmes and coordinate extensive supply chains. Xinhua also noted that the aircraft's development has helped China create 'replicable management experience and technical standards for future domestically developed aircraft'. Production milestones and future plans The AG600 moved into final assembly and batch production in July last year. In April this year, the aircraft received its type certificate from CAAC, confirming that its design meets the required airworthiness standards. Looking ahead, Avic plans to expand the AG600 product line. It also aims to boost China's aviation-based emergency response systems, Xinhua reported.
